Tension grows between nations in some of the world’s most vital trade nodes, as rivals and allies argue over a variety of issues ranging from petty to catastrophic. Whatever may be the reasons for conflict, all these conflicts may prove to threaten the global economic and political balance.
Following the death of Kulumbian journalist, Saara al-Qaysar, in the nation of Vicario; the people of Al-Kulumbia are in outrage! Reporting on the rise of a middle-rank officer known as Felix Ruzilio; she would suddenly find herself sleeping with the fishes. In response, a denouncement of Vicario from the nation of Al-Kulumbiah. Not long after, is a mutual embargo; threatening global trade all simply because of one life.
On the other side of the world, in Southeast Asia; the Great Sultanate of Bruneian Malaya prepares itself for a war long awaited. Forces gather at the Thai-Malayan Border in Sumatra, as tensions between the nations that have for centuries called each other allies increase drastically. In North Malaya, pressure overwhelms the Sultanate of Sulu, as Bruneian Malaya attempts to pressure what they had once called their closest ally into diplomatic annexation.
As the friction grows between all these different nations grow, one might wonder the extent these conflicts may escalate to. The formation of loose, unlikely alliances against greater enemies; the breaking of once ancient unbreakable friendships, the birth of nations, the fall of empires, and the rise of powers. The Mega War.
Following the death of Kulumbian journalist, Saara al-Qaysar, in the nation of Vicario; the people of Al-Kulumbia are in outrage! Reporting on the rise of a middle-rank officer known as Felix Ruzilio; she would suddenly find herself sleeping with the fishes. In response, a denouncement of Vicario from the nation of Al-Kulumbiah. Not long after, is a mutual embargo; threatening global trade all simply because of one life.
On the other side of the world, in Southeast Asia; the Great Sultanate of Bruneian Malaya prepares itself for a war long awaited. Forces gather at the Thai-Malayan Border in Sumatra, as tensions between the nations that have for centuries called each other allies increase drastically. In North Malaya, pressure overwhelms the Sultanate of Sulu, as Bruneian Malaya attempts to pressure what they had once called their closest ally into diplomatic annexation.
As the friction grows between all these different nations grow, one might wonder the extent these conflicts may escalate to. The formation of loose, unlikely alliances against greater enemies; the breaking of once ancient unbreakable friendships, the birth of nations, the fall of empires, and the rise of powers. The Mega War.
Albaira, Vicario
On their feet, the men of the Vicarian Congress sang their country’s unofficial anthem. After the proud song concluded, they took their seats.
“Today’s first topic… I believe you’ve all heard the news,” announced the freshly-appointed Prime Minister. “Following the unfortunate assassination of a Kulumbian journalist staying in Amalya, Al-Kulumbiah has issued a denouncement of our country.”
“It’s time for a federal investigation,” a senator said.
Another remembered his loyalties and swiftly intervened. “That isn’t our first priority,” he said. “What matters for now is how we respond to Al-Kulumbiah.”
The senate was divided on the response. Ideas of diplomatic diffusion, radio silence, and aggressive response clashed until the latter one out with the idea that Vicario ought to puff out its chest and make a name for itself as a new country. The Kulumbian government thus received a response which denounced the acts of prejudice committed within the nation under Shariah law.
In the end, the idea of investigating the assassination was pushed further down the line at every turn. The senate overlooked one key thing, as well, that being military reform..
“Today’s first topic… I believe you’ve all heard the news,” announced the freshly-appointed Prime Minister. “Following the unfortunate assassination of a Kulumbian journalist staying in Amalya, Al-Kulumbiah has issued a denouncement of our country.”
“It’s time for a federal investigation,” a senator said.
Another remembered his loyalties and swiftly intervened. “That isn’t our first priority,” he said. “What matters for now is how we respond to Al-Kulumbiah.”
The senate was divided on the response. Ideas of diplomatic diffusion, radio silence, and aggressive response clashed until the latter one out with the idea that Vicario ought to puff out its chest and make a name for itself as a new country. The Kulumbian government thus received a response which denounced the acts of prejudice committed within the nation under Shariah law.
In the end, the idea of investigating the assassination was pushed further down the line at every turn. The senate overlooked one key thing, as well, that being military reform..
Al-Banama, Al-Kulumbiah
An aggressive rally gathers right outside the Grand Vizier’s palace, chanting harshly and aggressively in protest and demand. Their noise quells out the traffic and everything else, and soldiers struggle to keep them in check.
“Justice for Saara! Avenge our sister! Death to all who oppress the Ummah! Death to those who insult Al-Kulumbiah! Death to Vicario!” chanted the crowd, in reference to a journalist who died reporting in Vicario.
“They are right, you know.” says Defense Minister, Vizier Asqar Hussein, standing across the Grand Vizier in his office in the palace. “We can’t let them get away with this.”
“We won’t.” replies the head of the state and government of Al-Kulumbiah. He signs a number of papers on his table, and proceeds to meet the crowd before announcing a speech; declaring that Vicario will not get away with this. As the capital of Al-Kulumbiah is founded upon a thin patch of land connecting the two Americas, it has made it easy for them to build the Al-Banama Canal to allow easier passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Now, they controlled this valuable trade node; and had the ability to deny countries the right to pass through it. Thus came the order, that Vicario would be denied entry through the Albanama Canal; essentially killing their Pacific trade.
This was the Kulumbian response. Threatening the Vicarian economy to force them to compensate Al-Kulumbia and apologize.
Albaira, Vicario
Vicario was highly uninterested in compensating the Kulumbians. Its economy was not in a place to be giving things away to people and the last thing the government wanted to do was bow down to anyways even if it risked war which was the sole thing the government was formed to prevent.
Regardless, an outraged Vicarian government responded by closing off all Vicarian territorial waters and ports to Kulumbian trade, which meant that the Lesser Antilles now formed a barrier that forced Kulumbian routes through the Atlantic to take a detour through the Caribbean, then go around them and go south around Vicario just to reach the Mediterranean or Europe. In the end, Kulumbian cargo ships would find their Atlantic trips about 600 nautical miles longer.
Regardless, an outraged Vicarian government responded by closing off all Vicarian territorial waters and ports to Kulumbian trade, which meant that the Lesser Antilles now formed a barrier that forced Kulumbian routes through the Atlantic to take a detour through the Caribbean, then go around them and go south around Vicario just to reach the Mediterranean or Europe. In the end, Kulumbian cargo ships would find their Atlantic trips about 600 nautical miles longer.
Al-Banama, Al-Kulumbiah
All the viziers were gathered in a room, and Grand Vizier Badri el-Greiss sat in the center in front of a table. The fans churned as they rotated, providing the room ventilation in its silence. Not one person moved, and not one person spoke. The door opened, and in came a small man carrying a pen and paper; before laying it out on the Grand Vizier’s table and leaving.
“Are you are about this?” asked the Culture Minister.
“I don’t like asking help from our former colonizers either,” the Trade Minister stated; “But do we really have a choice? If any of this continues, our mercantile economy will collapse.”
“Maybe if we wait long enough, they’ll break first.” suggested the Diplomatic Relations Minister. “We’re blocking them off from Pacific Trade as well.”
“I don’t think we can afford to take that bet,” complained the Economic Minister. “We have to make sure they break first.”
“We just need to intimidate them, is all;” clarified the Defense Minister. “But as of now, we don’t have the military power to do any of that. We’ll need help.”
“The caliphate will come to our aid.” Badri thus, began to write upon the paper. A letter addressed to Caliph Muhammad Uthman, leader of Cairene Arabia; requesting military aid to intimidate Vicario into submission.
“Are you are about this?” asked the Culture Minister.
“I don’t like asking help from our former colonizers either,” the Trade Minister stated; “But do we really have a choice? If any of this continues, our mercantile economy will collapse.”
“Maybe if we wait long enough, they’ll break first.” suggested the Diplomatic Relations Minister. “We’re blocking them off from Pacific Trade as well.”
“I don’t think we can afford to take that bet,” complained the Economic Minister. “We have to make sure they break first.”
“We just need to intimidate them, is all;” clarified the Defense Minister. “But as of now, we don’t have the military power to do any of that. We’ll need help.”
“The caliphate will come to our aid.” Badri thus, began to write upon the paper. A letter addressed to Caliph Muhammad Uthman, leader of Cairene Arabia; requesting military aid to intimidate Vicario into submission.
Qahira, Cairene Arabia
The Khalifa was in his office when the letter arrived. Indeed, was it his duty as caliph; to defend the entirety of the Ummah when they requested aid. But he received many requests for aid, and Al-Kulumbiah was a former colony that had revolted against Cairene Arabia. Revolted, against the caliphate. They would be kaffir by some standards, but it seems now that they once more need to rely on the Khilafa.
Al-Kulumbiah was indeed, a valuable trading partner despite their rebelliousness. Truly, the Al-Banama Canal has proven invaluable to the Islamic World, almost as invaluable as the Al-Suayz Canal. And the Vicarian insults towards Islam and Shariah had to be considered as well. It was indeed troubling.
Thus, did the Khalifa make his decision and send out his orders to his viziers.
Al-Kulumbiah was indeed, a valuable trading partner despite their rebelliousness. Truly, the Al-Banama Canal has proven invaluable to the Islamic World, almost as invaluable as the Al-Suayz Canal. And the Vicarian insults towards Islam and Shariah had to be considered as well. It was indeed troubling.
Thus, did the Khalifa make his decision and send out his orders to his viziers.
The Atlantic Ocean
A task force of a battleship, a carrier, and ten destroyers detached from the Atlantic Fleet of Cairene Arabia; and sailed onwards to the seas southeast of Vicario, in hopes of intimidating them into submission. Not every country could afford battleships or carriers, and thus this was a grand display of strength meant to intimidate. Were Vicario not even to surrender, it would surely catch the attention of other nations. A power such as Cairene Arabia, threatening Vicario with powerful capital ships and their escort of ten destroyers. The task force was led by Mustaba Bestari, who was actually from Bruneian Malaya; but served in the Arabian Fleet thanks to a certain program.
It was no exaggeration to say that the Vicarian Republican Navy was somewhat underwhelming. Its ships were older and as a whole its navy was not as big as it should be. Regardless, the Vicarian navy took up the challenge, sending a group to patrol Vicarian waters around the state of Vicario. The fleet was composed of two battlecruisers and 5 destroyers. Hidden underneath, however, was a trio of attack submarines.
Tuning into a more open frequency, the commander of the ship group aboard one of the cruisers poke, brushing up on his best English in hopes that they could understand. “This is Admiral Emanuel Silva of the RBC Diamantia speaking. You are trespassing in Vicarian waters, I repeat you are trespassing in Vicarian waters. You must leave with haste,” he chanted.
“This is Rear Admiral Mustaba Bestari of the BKI Muhammad V speaking; we are outside the coastal territory of Vicario. We are not trespassing, over.”
“Negatory. The Vicarian state owns a 300 mile claim on waters, over,” replied Admiral Silva.
“Negative. The Islamic World does not recognize your claim, these are international waters, over.”
Emanuel disregarded the rebuttal. “You are trespassing in the eyes of the Republic, over,” he simply stated.
The rear admiral contemplated course of action. His junior officers suggested moving outside their 300 mile claim, but he found the 300 mile claim absurd for such a pathetic country as Vicario. “Negative. We have our orders and these are international waters.”
There was silence on the other side of the radio. About a minute later, there were a few distant flashes of light followed by a loud clap several seconds later. There were no splashes or struck hulls, however.
“Vicarian navy has opened fire. I repeat, Vicarian navy has opened fire, over.” the comms of the Islamic Navy went insane, as the destroyers stretched and scattered around the flagships.
“Return fire, and deploy aircraft to establish air superiority!” the rear admiral commanded.
Immediately, fighters deployed from the aircraft carrier; as the battleship moved into position to open fire. Its eighteen inch shells locked and loaded, aimed precisely at the battlecruisers. The battleship was slower than the battlecruisers, and had to make sure to land its shots before they could perform evasive maneuvers. Swiftly and without warning, the eighteen inch shells of two of the largest cannons opened fire; and would come in hot upon the battlecruisers. Each destroyer fired torpedoes without warning, intended to strike the enemy before they could even take the time to respond.
The shells came before the sound. Most did not hit, but the meaning they carried was sufficient. A few shells struck well, and immediately the entire Vicarian fleet was ordered to retreat. The destroyers fired off their own torpedoes, but two found themselves hit by the enemy's own; one sustained a damaged propulsion system. Off to the flanks, the three submarines surfaced and fired a shotgun-like barrage of torpedoes before beginning their retreating resubmersion.
A number of destroyers were hit, and three were forced to retreat for repairs. Not expecting submarines, the task force retreated as well; hoping to regroup with the Atlantic Fleet for a greater attack. There was no doubt any longer. This was war.
It was no exaggeration to say that the Vicarian Republican Navy was somewhat underwhelming. Its ships were older and as a whole its navy was not as big as it should be. Regardless, the Vicarian navy took up the challenge, sending a group to patrol Vicarian waters around the state of Vicario. The fleet was composed of two battlecruisers and 5 destroyers. Hidden underneath, however, was a trio of attack submarines.
Tuning into a more open frequency, the commander of the ship group aboard one of the cruisers poke, brushing up on his best English in hopes that they could understand. “This is Admiral Emanuel Silva of the RBC Diamantia speaking. You are trespassing in Vicarian waters, I repeat you are trespassing in Vicarian waters. You must leave with haste,” he chanted.
“This is Rear Admiral Mustaba Bestari of the BKI Muhammad V speaking; we are outside the coastal territory of Vicario. We are not trespassing, over.”
“Negatory. The Vicarian state owns a 300 mile claim on waters, over,” replied Admiral Silva.
“Negative. The Islamic World does not recognize your claim, these are international waters, over.”
Emanuel disregarded the rebuttal. “You are trespassing in the eyes of the Republic, over,” he simply stated.
The rear admiral contemplated course of action. His junior officers suggested moving outside their 300 mile claim, but he found the 300 mile claim absurd for such a pathetic country as Vicario. “Negative. We have our orders and these are international waters.”
There was silence on the other side of the radio. About a minute later, there were a few distant flashes of light followed by a loud clap several seconds later. There were no splashes or struck hulls, however.
“Vicarian navy has opened fire. I repeat, Vicarian navy has opened fire, over.” the comms of the Islamic Navy went insane, as the destroyers stretched and scattered around the flagships.
“Return fire, and deploy aircraft to establish air superiority!” the rear admiral commanded.
Immediately, fighters deployed from the aircraft carrier; as the battleship moved into position to open fire. Its eighteen inch shells locked and loaded, aimed precisely at the battlecruisers. The battleship was slower than the battlecruisers, and had to make sure to land its shots before they could perform evasive maneuvers. Swiftly and without warning, the eighteen inch shells of two of the largest cannons opened fire; and would come in hot upon the battlecruisers. Each destroyer fired torpedoes without warning, intended to strike the enemy before they could even take the time to respond.
The shells came before the sound. Most did not hit, but the meaning they carried was sufficient. A few shells struck well, and immediately the entire Vicarian fleet was ordered to retreat. The destroyers fired off their own torpedoes, but two found themselves hit by the enemy's own; one sustained a damaged propulsion system. Off to the flanks, the three submarines surfaced and fired a shotgun-like barrage of torpedoes before beginning their retreating resubmersion.
A number of destroyers were hit, and three were forced to retreat for repairs. Not expecting submarines, the task force retreated as well; hoping to regroup with the Atlantic Fleet for a greater attack. There was no doubt any longer. This was war.
Albaira, Vicario
A well-dressed man sat in a cafe with his nose embedded into a newspaper. A waitress, dressed as the era expected of her, approached.
“Your coffee, sir,” she said.
“Thank you,” the man replied, immediately taking a sip. As he lowered his drink, he saw the reflection of another man enter in his drink. “I’ve been waiting.
“My apologies, Mr. Ruzilio,” said the newcomer. “What of the news?”
“I’m concerned as to Vicario’s readiness for war, as well as what their allies can do. I need the Congress to have the Armed Forces Committee look into reforms,” replied Ruzilio.
The newcomer jotted that down. “What specifically are you looking for?”
“Let’s see…”
Minutes later, on his way out of the cafe, Felix Ruzilio passed a man who handed him a note, informing him of the circumstances. There was no doubt that war was inevitable; he had to move quick, efficiently, and slide in all the gears he needed without endangering his country further.
"No more," the man growled to himself. "No more."
“Your coffee, sir,” she said.
“Thank you,” the man replied, immediately taking a sip. As he lowered his drink, he saw the reflection of another man enter in his drink. “I’ve been waiting.
“My apologies, Mr. Ruzilio,” said the newcomer. “What of the news?”
“I’m concerned as to Vicario’s readiness for war, as well as what their allies can do. I need the Congress to have the Armed Forces Committee look into reforms,” replied Ruzilio.
The newcomer jotted that down. “What specifically are you looking for?”
“Let’s see…”
Minutes later, on his way out of the cafe, Felix Ruzilio passed a man who handed him a note, informing him of the circumstances. There was no doubt that war was inevitable; he had to move quick, efficiently, and slide in all the gears he needed without endangering his country further.
"No more," the man growled to himself. "No more."
Elsewhere in Albaira, Vicario
Congress very quickly received the news of the battle and hastily re-entered session. A report of the incident and the damages as well as damage to the enemy was read to start.
"We can't go to war! Our military is in shambles!" one Senator cried. "Think of the people!"
"Do think of the people! Think of their dignity and their economy!" quipped another. "Our army is just fine!"
One of Mr. Ruzilio's loyal senators stood. "Absolutely not. While I agree that we cannot submit, our army is not ready for war. Reform is absolutely necessary!" said another, eliciting a chatter of controversy.
The Prime Minister cupped his chin. "Reform.. all in favor? Aye?" Several hands were raised and counted. "Nay?" Even more hands were raised.
"There's simply no time to wait," the PM continued. "Let us speak of war, now.." And for the next few hours, the Republican Congress became a place of chaos.
"We can't go to war! Our military is in shambles!" one Senator cried. "Think of the people!"
"Do think of the people! Think of their dignity and their economy!" quipped another. "Our army is just fine!"
One of Mr. Ruzilio's loyal senators stood. "Absolutely not. While I agree that we cannot submit, our army is not ready for war. Reform is absolutely necessary!" said another, eliciting a chatter of controversy.
The Prime Minister cupped his chin. "Reform.. all in favor? Aye?" Several hands were raised and counted. "Nay?" Even more hands were raised.
"There's simply no time to wait," the PM continued. "Let us speak of war, now.." And for the next few hours, the Republican Congress became a place of chaos.
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FROM: The Great Sultan of Bruneian Malaya
TO: The Leader of Hindustan and Emperor of Japan
May peace be upon you, of great leaders of Asia! I am the leader of a proud nation with a proud history, and see that we share that in common. Among the things we also share in common, are similar goals and enemies.
The vile Theravada of Ayuthayya have long held the rightfully Malay provinces of North Sumatra and Ligor, and thus do I seek to liberate these Muslim provinces from their grasp. However, as fate may have it, Bruneian Malaya’s treacherous former ally Dai Viet would much rather side with the heinous Ayuthayyans. In Japan and Hindustan, shall we find new allies; greater in strength than Ayuthayya and Dai Viet ever would be.
If your excellencies agree to this proposal, kindly write me back. I would love to cooperate with you to our best extent.
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FROM: Swaminarayan Ramdev
TO: Sultan Haji Farid
It has been a dream of the Hindu Matribhume for millennia to retake the great temple of Angkor Wat and remove the Theravada menace from poisoning the holy lands. Our dreams of [i]Akhand Bharat[/i] will not be complete without the land East of Bengal, a land containing countless historical Hindu sites.
As such, we will join Bruneian Malaya in their righteous crusade against Ayuthayya and the Theravada menace. Bless the divine.
East Bengal State, Hindustan
Countless Hindustani troops, many of those fresh from fighting against the British in the revolution, were gathered in the Eastern Bengal state. Forces gathered out of sight, in the mountains and dense jungles of the Burmese Mountains, waiting for the right time to strike Ayuthayya. Specialized jungle divisions were needed for this operation, but the landscape was a two sided coin. Hindustan’s side of the border contained the extremely fertile Ganges Delta, one of the most densely populated regions of the world, while the immediate Ayuthayyan side contained sparsely populated mountainous jungle. Thanks to paratrooper divisions, the jungle was not particularly difficult to advance through, and supply lines were no problem as one of the most fertile regions of the country was right across the border on the Hindustani side.
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[b]Imperial Telegram[/b]
FROM: Emperor Hirohito
TO: Sultan Haji Farid
The light of the Rising Sun shines on its allies, and more so on its enemies. In recent years, the Dai Viet nation has proven itself to be an untrustworthy traitor with no such honor that our nation and yours have in abundance. Indeed, our goals align and our nations would more so in this pact.
The Dai Viet people have lost their nobility, it is Japan and Malaya that will humble the dog that barks louder than it bites. Banzai!
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[b]Admiral Telegram[/b]
FROM: Admiral Yamamoto
TO: Governor Andar Samporna
Greetings from the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Our War Council has noted that Malayan support will be of great assistance to our cause in battle. We intend to catch our prey while it looks away, and so, a carrier fleet will be sent to the Western Coast of Luzon in a mock invasion and a destroyer fleet will be sent to Vigan City in Luzon to give a sense of illusion to the Dai Viet Navy. It is at this point that we would request convoys to be escorted to Takao City, Formosa (Kaohsiung) by the destroyer fleet and set on a course to Hainan afterwards. Indeed, our diversion will be mobilization and two birds are hit by one stone. We request your approval before performing such actions.
Glory to our nations!
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FROM: Governor Andar Samporna
TO: Admiral Yamamoto
Your plan has been noted, and approved by the Great Sultan and the Grand Admiral. A portion of the Malayan fleet will be stationed nearby the Japanese fleets, and right before the invasion breaks out; fireworks are planned to be fired in order to feign battle and conflict to Dai Viet staying nearby, who will then flee back to their homeland in fear and report that a battle is ongoing between the Malayans and the Japanese. Then, Malayan mechanized cavalry and infantry units will be loaded onto troop ships to be escorted by your fleets to the Dai Viet coast.
Takao City, Formosa
The approval of the Bruneian Malaya’s leadership had set the course for the war plan masterfully created by Admiral Yamamoto. Indeed, the Japanese fleets had already been sent out to their respective positions in the South China Sea and the Malayan Expeditionary Fleet is sailing to the City of Vigan for the Malayan convoys. From the lands of the North, the Mainland Armies are set to arrive in the port of Taihoku City to be sent to the Dai Viet front. The sound of the Koto and Taiko can be heard as the Japanese War Machine mobilizes once more.
Kota Batu, Borneo
Buildings soar through the sky with white walls and almost golden roofs, as they find themselves with an architectural style inspired from Indian, Middle-Eastern, and Chinese styles. Trees blend in perfectly with the city, as islands of them go through most major roads and a railway system provides the capital of Bruneian Malaya with a complex transportation system. Of utmost importance however, was the residence and office of the Great Sultan of Bruneian Malaya. Surrounded by greenery, the Great Sultan’s Istana rests upon the river; itself made of white walls and Islamic architecture, with tiled rooves that match those found in East Asian architecture; and domes as golden as the sun.
Haji Farid, in his old age; walks through his garden, admiring nature as it passes, his family with his 4th wife accompanying him. Suddenly, does arrive a royal guard right before them. He stands up straight with his heels closed together and feet open at forty five degree angles, as he salutes the Great Sultan with his finger touching the tip of his own eyeglasses.
He hands the Sultan an envelope before leaving, and upon opening it; the Great Sultan looks through several papers. And indeed, he smiles; knowing that his dreams and his predecessors’ imperial dreams are nearing fruition.
Haji Farid, in his old age; walks through his garden, admiring nature as it passes, his family with his 4th wife accompanying him. Suddenly, does arrive a royal guard right before them. He stands up straight with his heels closed together and feet open at forty five degree angles, as he salutes the Great Sultan with his finger touching the tip of his own eyeglasses.
He hands the Sultan an envelope before leaving, and upon opening it; the Great Sultan looks through several papers. And indeed, he smiles; knowing that his dreams and his predecessors’ imperial dreams are nearing fruition.
Sulu, North Malaya
For centuries, Brunei and Sulu had been the closest of allies in Malaya. Sulu had helped the former conquer Malaya, and Brunei had helped Sulu conquer the Visayan and Luzonite kingdoms. It thus could be said, that neither would be here today without the other. However, as the Great Sultanate of Bruneian Malaya grows ever more powerful, it begins to see its sibling nation as but a lackey.
And what could they do about it? Their economic base and military power was insignificant compared to that of Bruneian Malaya, and even now, the military of Bruneian Malaya passes through Sulu on a daily basis without requiring permission. Not that the Sultan had the power to deny them of course.
The Istana of Flowers, the palace of the Sultan of Sulu’s residence and office; was nowhere near as grand as that of the Great Sultan of Bruneian Malaya’s Istana. For the most part, it was made of wood with mostly local traditional architectural styles, and was but one large building.
The Sultan sat in his office, continuously barraged with papers and letters that he could barely find time outside work. On his desk, two maps of the region. One that displayed Sulu and Bruneian Malaya as two different nations, and one that displayed Sulu as a province of Bruneian Malaya.
West Malaya, Southeast Asia
Bruneian Malaya had long coveted Ligor and North Sumatra, which was at this moment currently held by the nation of Ayuthayya; a regional power that had aided Bruneian Malaya in its conquests throughout the centuries. Both had come to each other’s aid in their greatest times of need and despair, and both had been allies in the face of prosperity. Now, that friendship between two nations is challenged by Great Sultan Haji Farid’s ambitions.
His desire to unite the entirety of the Malayan Archipelago, including provinces given to Ayuthayya by previous Great Sultans; has caused friction between the two nations. In Malacca and Sumatra, large forces of land and air units gather, while an entire fleet stations itself right outside Ayuthayya’s naval borders.
Similarly, the Ayuthayyan Army had it’s vast majority stationed in the peninsula. Were Bruneian Malaya to initiate attack, the plan would be to simply push forth and capture Malacca and Singapura; threatening Bruneian Malaya’s trading economy and allowing Ayuthayya control over virtually all Indian-Pacific Ocean trade in an effort to break Bruneian Malaya’s economy enough that they themselves will be broken, allowing Ayuthayya to enforce its demands.
There would be war soon, there was no doubt about it.
His desire to unite the entirety of the Malayan Archipelago, including provinces given to Ayuthayya by previous Great Sultans; has caused friction between the two nations. In Malacca and Sumatra, large forces of land and air units gather, while an entire fleet stations itself right outside Ayuthayya’s naval borders.
Similarly, the Ayuthayyan Army had it’s vast majority stationed in the peninsula. Were Bruneian Malaya to initiate attack, the plan would be to simply push forth and capture Malacca and Singapura; threatening Bruneian Malaya’s trading economy and allowing Ayuthayya control over virtually all Indian-Pacific Ocean trade in an effort to break Bruneian Malaya’s economy enough that they themselves will be broken, allowing Ayuthayya to enforce its demands.
There would be war soon, there was no doubt about it.
