The black haired woman blinked a few times before she leaned over and whispered not so quietly to Serena, "He doesn't know who I am." her voice a mixture of surprise and childish glee, she almost immediately shot up from the chair and stood firmly, "And if you were to meet this most wonderful Empress Irene, what would you have to say to her?" she could barely contain her laugh. All around Prussia were the stark focused gazes of the many maidens, their dark dresses weighted noticeably and all the while Serena stared with her one red-tinted eye.
Feng dynasty
"Hmm... but its only one vassal... and that vassal is only us telling them that they were naughty...." Princess Rongchang pouted, drinking milk tea. "I mean if it comforts the Jezabels, unless we want to make our labyrinth of a cumbersome government ten times more bigger and twisty, we won't get any more vassals anyway.... but I do have a question if you don't mind" The air was silent, save for rustling fiery leaves and gently clanging bells in the wind. "What would Jezabelstein offer us if we turned down North Electrica?"
Feng dynasty
"The Council had arrived with me, on my plane." Prince Mingde told the President as he took the constitution. "And... oh speaking of which, here they are" An assembly of courtiers arrived, each surrounded by an entourage of servants. They were robed: wide sleeves, sweeping skirts, and a train that tailed after each. They wore gold, silver, jewels, embellished with ornaments upon their hair, around their neck, on their fingers, and sown into their heavy gowns. Their head smiled pleasantly and gave a small bow. "You may Lord Yiren (頤仁公), president of Astana Anders. If there is any questions you have, please ask me."
Prince Mingde turned, walking out of the room. "I shall excuse myself, I need to return to the Dynasty. Lord Yiren has direct connections with the Empress, so you will receive direct answers."
"Hello Lord Yiren. As I said before, you will stay in the Presidential Republican Quarters until the Embassy is voted on. So, here is the draft." Said Joseph handing him the draft of the Constitution of his Northern Utopian Union. "Anyway, let's get to it." Said Joseph.
Prussia was just about had it with Jezabelstien. All he wanted to do was do his job but instead he was tied with some random bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo. "I would address your Empress the way I would address you. Tell her who I am, what I am doing, and why I am a here doing who's know what." Said Prussia. "Sigh, I will stay here for a little more. If I this becomes too much, I will leave." Said Prussia in his mind.
Feng dynasty
OOC: UwU new foreign affairs factbook, sparkly fresh and updated
The Fengese Ministry of Diplomacy manages the foreign affairs of the Dynasty in the name of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Taihe of Feng. This ministry delicately, meticulously, and prudently manages the famous “Fengese Web” of diplomatic connections. Within the embassy district in the opulent second ring of the walled city of Taijing, many nations built embassies as connections to the Feng. Below are nations with embassies to Feng, and a table of Fengese views on nations. Feng Dynasty is open to talks of diplomacy at any time needed.
A message was sent to the SUS Voyager, a message of voice. It was the regality and elegance of Prince Mingde that spoke to the Voyager crew, his voice filled with a practiced eloquence and purpose.
“Most auspicious and highest greetings to the Atlas Archipelago. I, Prince Mingde, apologise that I couldn’t talk more and freely with the Atlan entourage due to Anderian company and the events afterwards. I have since left their fellowship and am alone with my kin, but your offer of more discussion is Atlas itself has not left my mind, and will be equally appreciative with the Empress. Truly, the Fengese will be glad for a friendship with Atlas. Please do send word to Taijing if Atlas still feels keen with a Fengese and Atlan meeting, I shall give her majesty a good word, unless Atlas may have any questions to inquire?”
URN-RAN Joint Fleet, 1st Gorgon Strike Group “RAN Futsuhama to SUS Atlas. Understood.” Captain Fujimori replied with a small sigh of relief. He looked over to the CIC staff, signaling them with an awkward smile. Not long after, the red light was switched back to white. “Thank you for your cooperation. Please beware of Krakens in the Akaltar waters of western Wasaru, and have a safe trip, over.” Fujimori flipped the switch on the radio as he stretches. The messenger squadron does a circle flow and turns away from the SUS Atlas, returning to the Joint Fleet. Fujimori gazes at the top of R.I.S.E. An upsidedown pyramid covered in solar panels could be seen by the reflection of sunlight. At the top of babel, there lies an inverted pyramid of the Interplanetary Express terminal now with multiple smaller corporate and government modules attached. “Tell the Observatory in Celestia block 6 to keep an eye on them… Other than that, we should get back to our usual patrol route.”
UKMC(0.0+2.1) After Stories Ep1 (2018-2021 Recap can be found in factbook) UKMC, Edokyuuria Arcology, Citadel, Grand Chancellor's office. 0.0_2.1;13:18;30/04/2021 (BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPJ3JPg4VfQ&list=PLw2da1jQ_a9Jwca0qU7IeFaQxwFSi5yq9&index=42) Sunlight shines into the messy office from the collapsed arch ceiling of white reflective material. “It must be nice to be a bird.” Mashiro Fuyuki murmured as she stretched on the cheap white plastic chair she got from the cafeteria. The original office chair was stained with blood and was taken away after a series of events back in June. Mashiro hands over the last stack of documents regarding the Reconstruction Ministry’s spending to the masked android with four arms. Despite the fact there was already a hole in the wall, the automaton quietly left the room before it closed the door. Mashiro sighed, she woke up her laptop, there was a mail regarding the SUS encounter, World Union meeting plans, undecided national anthem, and recent ARC Industries activity in Feng dynasty. “Pain.” She murmured. Having decided she cannot concentrate from where she is, she closed and picked up her laptop and putting it in her bag. She stood up and turned to the large neo-gothic window behind her seat. The garden and many other ministry buildings could be seen on the Citadel disc of the Arcology. Though many of them are still under restoration after the earthquake last year. Most of these buildings are now abandoned due to the lack of civil servants in service after the decrease in population. Thankfully most service work has been automated. The entire government sector feels like a ghost town. Picking up a few volumes of manga from the floor, she left the office.
“Whose brilliant idea was to have an 8-meter tall wooden door for the cabinet…” Mashiro curses as she pushes the giant door with all her strength. Since the 2nd floor’s hallway to the north wing has been blocked by collapsed shelves, the fastest way to get from the central twin tower to the north wing was to head through the cabinet, also known as the main hall. While most meetings are done online, for the time being, this hall is still in use from time to time. The door moved and opened just enough for her to fit in. On the other side of the door was a circular hall with a framed glass dome as a ceiling. Taking a step into the hall, the sound of cracked glass could be heard beneath her shoe. “We’re going to need someone to clean this place… as if we got any money or workforces to spare for the well-being of the capitol.”
Arriving at the lobby, which is a slightly more populated area compared to the rest. Construction workers continue their restoration work as government workers do their usual office work as if nothing has changed. “You’re heading out, Chancellor Mashiro?” The receptionist saluted and asked. “Sigh. For the last time, Martha. There’s no need to salute, you’re not in a military government anymore. I came back, remember?” “My apologies... Chancellor Mashiro, do you need agents to accompany you?” “There’s no need. I’m just going for a walk.” Quickly becoming the center of attention as she walks past the lobby hall, she sped up her steps and left for the garden outside.
The sound of birds and leaves could be heard the as calm wind blew from the western sea. “I really should plan but the World Union meeting… but, is there any meaning to that…” She looked at the blue sky and murmured.
Upon arriving at the populated eastern garden, Inspector Shinozaki Haru with Officer Lionheart Albert could be seen sitting on a reflective white bench both with serious expressions. “Did something happen?” Mashiro asked worriedly as she approaches the old acquaintance. Shinozaki and Lionheart turned their serious focus on her. “As friends, we’ll tell you once you sit down.” While they know each other through a complex series of events, they’ve never referred to each other as friends. Thinking that she might learn a thing or two from the former head of state and the one who reformed the nation back in 2018, she accepted her offer and sat down next to them on the same bench. It was cold. Why was it cold? “The paint hasn’t dried yet, Mashiro.” Shinozaki whispered. “You little shi-”
“Well, how’s work, Mashiro?” Shinozaki asked as she looks at the capitol twin tower. “Most of everything has been automated. With such a large population casualty from the last disaster, the government size has been decreased as well…” Mashiro puts down her manga and replies. “I guess people wanted to return and spend time with their families after all that.” Lionheart commented. “The population continues to decrease as those who survived the initial disaster with untreatable injuries pass away every day. It’s already a miracle we manage to automate sectors in such a short time.” Shinozaki explained with her eyes closed. “Maybe it’s time for the United Kingdom to retire from a global power.” Lionheart said calmly. “With Imperial Feng rising in the east, and the Commonwealth refocuses themselves on internal affairs. And Jezabelstien as a perpetual threat… It’s hard to imagine.” Shinozaki answered with a smirk. “There are starts and ends, all things will die. So are superpowers, the United Kingdom cannot keep its influence forever. It’s a natural cycle, Former Chancellor Shinozaki.” Mashiro answered in a sad tone. “And I wonder when would be my time to go…” Mashiro pulled up her right sleeve, showing a bracelet covering a section of her wrist where crystals could be seen on her skin. “This is...” Shinozaki was shocked but she tries to hide it. “Miraculum corruption… also known as the Rapture Disease.” Mashiro began explaining it as she shows them the indicator on the bracelet. “It’s an incurable chronic disease that directly ties to SSS-001, it only began appearing to those who had impure Miraculum substance in their body after that Near-Miraculum Resonance back in June.” “...” Ironic was what Shinozaki wanted to say, but she couldn’t. Despite Simon Mendelson did all those inhumane atrocities back then, his only redeemable quality was saving his daughter with his Miraculum based medicine after an attack targeting him in her daughter’s concert. Only to find that it will eventually doom her. “...so how long do you have left.” Shinozaki looks away to the tower and asked, pitying her. Lionheart looks away. “At most 10 years… Don’t feel sad, Shinozaki. I should’ve been dead back in 2008.” “Wait- you knew about your father?” “...I went back to the university ruins last month... the doctor who gave me the treatment told me everything.” “I see..” “Don’t pity me, but don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to die because I’m born into this world, Shinozaki. I know what horrible things my father did, how many lives were lost in exchange for having me standing here.” “Mashiro…” “That’s why I want to use my remaining time to repay them.” Mashiro turns toward the two with a bright smile.
“Say, how about you go and visit other nations while you can? To see the world! The government of the United Kingdom never really visit other places historically.” Lionheart suggested as he scrolls through posts on his phone. “Not a bad idea, Albert.” Shinozaki agreed with her colleague. “Well... a trip... “ “That’s right, Mashiro. You don’t have to worry about troubles nor security due to the disease’s effect. A trip to different nations, for example, maybe you should start with Jezabelstien haha.” Shinozaki suggested. Mashiro couldn’t tell if she was joking or not. “Well, I heard from the CIA(Candorian IntellgenceAgency) that there’s a Jezabelstienian guest along with Electrians and some other representatives in Feng right now. Wouldn’t it be wiser to visit Taijing than the Hall of Irene now?” Lionheart asked as he shows them the news. “Why not both.” Shinozaki joked and the two of them laughed leaving Mashiro feeling slightly uneasy. “Well… how about we come up with a way to get out of our current situation with our dignity intact first?” Mashiro suggested. All three of us sat on the newly painted bench with a black suit. It is almost certain that there will be a white mark on their pants. The closest washroom is at least 50m away, but the park is currently populated with people. What’s worst, due to having Mashiro in the group, the three would stand out a lot more. “This is certainly a difficult situation.” Shinozaki murmured awkwardly with no solution in mind.
Hours later...
A notice was sent to the Dynasty of her visit during their long wait time on the bench. Her childhood friend and a reporter, Kana Ichihara, was invited to come with her. And naturally, former Serpentuem special corps who is now Kana’s assistance, Mikel Blancy follows them. “Hey hey, Fuyuki, why are we on a commercial airliner?” The always energetic Kana asks Mashiro. “Well… that’s…”
Meanwhile, in Edokyuuria airport, the staff of YotsubishiAir were questioned by the CIA “The Grand Chancellor didn’t want us and the government to big it too big of a deal, so she went on a commercial airliner…” The check-in receptionist said.
As Kana continues to annoy Mashiro. Bancy facepalmed and sighed. “Miotia-Candorians be Miotia-Candorians.”
“Many reasons may be the case, we’re nit sure, but I would recommend holding off on the exports to my Dynasty until we find a way to satisfy Jezabelstein, unless you want bombed ships... which isn’t very preferable. But if we are forced to cancel our deal then... I hope Electrica doesn’t mind- oh” A faint buzzing sounded, heralding a message on the Empress’s phone. “Excuse me....” She glanced at it, before returning the phone within her robed. “Apologies, I need to leave, important matters... I apologise for taking up your most precious time”
The Head General nods before he would turn to face the soldier.
HG Burns: "Soldier,if you would mute the message, me and the councilors must speak." The soldier nods as he presses a few buttons and slides his finger across the screen, effectively muting the Council.
NE Soldier: "Your muted Head General." He says, David nods befote he turns to his fallow councilors and they begin to speak. At the same time the soldier wondered what was going to happen to Ms. Arc, as their ship was in dock and set to leave, and with the threat from Jezabelstien they may very well be trapped.
"What do we want!?" Says the leader of the demonstration. "Feng and Electri out!" Said the crowd. "When do we want it!?" Said the leader. "NOW!" Yelled the crowd. It is the Anderian Unity Rally organized by both left-wing ultranationalists and the minor ultranationalistic party, The Ultranationalist Assembly. They have created a demonstration with over 20 thousand participants. They are angry about how both the Feng dynasty is trying to control the Anderian government, at least according to them. They are angry about how North Electrica is controlling parts of the country as the treaty states. They are especially angry at how The Atlas Archipelago literally point guns at the literal Lord President of Astana-Anders.
A woman walks up to a pedestal, her name is Emma de Krai, she is the organizer of the rally and leader of The Ultranationalist Assembly. She grabs a microphone and begins to speak. "My fellow Anderians, Republic Strong!" Yelled Emma. "Republic Strong!" Replied the crowd. "It is time we take a stand against the nations of the corrupt North Electrica, the imperialist Feng dynasty, and the reactionary The Atlas Archipelago!
I ask that the government of Astana-Anders revoke all ties with the Feng dynasty, remove all Electri soldiers from sacred soil, and declare war on The Atlas Archipelago who dares not only insult and make threats to our very nation, but also a few days ago, pointed their guns at our Lord President, Joseph Vargas!
If our nation's government does not do all of these things in less than 48 hours, than we, the people who voted the government in and the backbone of Anderian democracy, we will not hesitate to follow the footsteps of comrade Dimitri Castro and take our demands on our own! Long Live the Republic, Republic Strong!" Finished Emma de Krai. "Republic Strong!" Yelled the crowd as Joseph Vargas is watching from his television screen.
"What shall we do sir?" Asked Chief Press Responder, Reggie de Leon. Joseph thought long and hard on this. A lot of people didn't like the any of the 3 nations, especially The Atlas Archipelago. In fact, a recent poll found that 24% wanted to get rid of Electri soldiers, 31% wanted all relations with the Feng dynasty cut, and, to no surprise, found that 89% hated The Atlas Archipelago with 46% said the would accept a war with them.
"... Well... we cannot arrest them, we have no proof that they are actually going to do all these things, plus, how the hell can a group of nutjobs start a global war with Atlas? It can't be done... still though... tell Lord Yiren about our current... situation. If you can't, ask one of his assistants." Said Joseph as Reggie began to hurry towards the Council of Fengese Voice... Joseph is not about to let another war start by a group of nationalists again.
Feng dynasty
“Indeed, I can hear them from here....” Lord Yiren murmured, sitting in his provided quarters with his court. “How many in their company?”
“Twenty thousand, your highness” His servant replied. “A large party backed by Anderian ultranationalists, though I wonder why they feel the need to add ‘ultra’... the Prince did say that this might happen.” “Indeed he did, the Empress had forseen these demonstrations as well. Most likely that an Anderian official is coming our way... oh speak of the devil, here they come” He murmured, as Reggie entered hurriedly into the room. Lord Yiren smiled at him. “This is about the demonstrations, I presume?”
“All was well?” The Minister of Diplomacy inquired with a slight bow. “Us as your majesty’s court do fear….” The Empress sighed as she descended the stairs from the pagoda. The thirteen-story high tower spired into the air, its enamel stained glass sparkling bright. The faint stir of wind rustled through the roses planted around it. “Fear naught, nothing good or grave, the Electri now should be aware of this… Jezabel situation.” Empress Taihe straightened one of the jade hairpins that adorned her hair. “But I have most news, and a very sudden one at that.” “Your majesty?” Empress Taihe headed out of the garden, the Minister, the Court, and her robe’s trailing train sweeping behind. “It seems we might have a visitor” “Another?” The Minister of Courtly Graces exclaimed. “Our Palaces is greatly busy today… who is it this time, if your majesty would tell us?”
“This visitor is as significant of an event as the Jezabel guest. A guest from the land of animation… None other than an official guest from the twins in the north.” “Miotia-Candor??” The Diplomacy Minister spluttered. “The very same.” Both courtiers stood surprised, a sentiment echoed with the rest of the Court. The Empress’s eyes glimmered with soft amusement. “They shall arrive by commercial aircraft… possibly intending for a less eye-turning affair, most likely. I think the Ministry of Diplomacy and of Courtly Graces should respect that…. They should be flying near the airport now, is the more… inconspicuous welcome ceremony ready?” “Always ready, your majesty.” The Minister of Courtly Graces bowed, having recovered from the surprise. “I shall send word for the Miotia-Candorian official party to look for a man on the seating area of the Danfeng Terminal (丹鳳) after the customs… what is the code this time?” “.... how about… a man with a jade hairpin with a hanging red tassel… reading volume 8 of Kimetsu no Tsurugi upside down?” “Of course, your majesty…, he will be ready as soon as the plane’s lightest brush on the tarmac.” The Empress gazed at her Court, considering something. “Hmmm, what if I told you that the visitor is the Grand Chancellor?”
Nordic democratic republi has won the NUIHF Championships 4th time!
After an amazing 6th season we had, the NUIHF Championships have been finally wrapped up, as Nordic democratic republic faced North Electrica in the finals. Team USSNDR was once again victorious for 4th time, securing their championship trophy! Meanwhile, in bronze games, The Soviet state of Svalbard beat team Grenopia, giving the Team Svalbard their first ever medal in NUIHF Championships!
Congratulations to the team USSNDR for being the Season 6 NUIHF Champions!
"Yes Mr. Yiren. While we do not have any evidence to convict her or her associates with treason and a war crime and god knows that they cannot start a war with The Atlas Archipelago, we cannot get the courts to issue a warrant on them. However, you are still pretty hated by the populace and as such, having Fengese deaths on our hands would be a tragedy. As such, Joseph wants to know if how the Fengese would react to such an event? Would there be any problems..." Said Reggie.
Corlenia
12:05 PM Tombstone, Mordavia
Completed in 2010, as a response to the creation of long-range rail cannons constructed in other nations on Wasaru, such as the ACRS cannons in Miotia Candor, Tombstone was designed to be a nigh-indestructible base of operations, and a weapon capable of striking any target on the continent within 10 minutes. The entire base was built in a hollowed-out mountain in the dense forests of Mordavia, using the dense rock and soil as a natural barrier that nothing short of a nuclear warhead could penetrate. Within the complex are several huge, stationary coilguns, arranged in a 6-pointed star position to cover a full 360 degrees. They utilize a hybrid blowback/electronic firing method to accelerate thermobaric warhead-tipped cruise missiles up to a speed of over 7 kilometers per second, giving them the capability to reach a sub-orbit trajectory to reach any target on the continent with frightening levels of accuracy. Due to its complex engineering and energy requirements, the project was delayed until early 2003, where it took just under a decade to finalize its design. As it stands, Tombstone is the most powerful weapon in Corlenia's arsenal, though a lack of use in combat has lead to its continued funding coming under question.
A lone officer stood at his post, staring out over the rolling hills through his binoculars, checking for any semblance of movement in the trees. Everyone at the base followed the same schedule. They woke at the same time, ate at the same time, and stood guard at the same time. Though nowadays, under constant threat of violence, the schedules had changed. Instead of the more rational decision to break schedules down into daily and nightly shifts, top brass decided it would be best that nobody sleep, period.
Needless to say, this officer was tired, so tired in fact that he failed to notice the blaring of the raid sirens in the distance. He kept his gaze pointed at the treeline, waiting for any hostile being to break through. He had barely closed his eyes for a second to catch any trace of rest before he snapped his head up, only to find smoke on the horizon. He couldn't have foreseen that the frontlines would move this quickly, that soon he'd be firing into the bushes to fend off against the waves of invaders he knew were coming for his post at that very moment. Screams erupted from behind his bunker, and he turned around to find a few friendly soldiers running, rifles in hand, into the superstructure that made up the mighty stone exoskeleton of Tombstone. He paused for a second, his mind working through his daziness to process what was happening until he heard whistling in the sky above. He turned his binoculars to the horizon again to see that the smoke had cleared. His suspicions were confirmed not seconds later when he looked up further, to find over a hundred artillery shells rushing towards him. Without pause, he scrambled down his tower's ladder, and the second he hit the ground, he bolted for the iron door of his bunker. Before he wrenched it open he felt his ears ring as the first salvo ripped into the ground not more than a few dozen meters away. Slamming the door shut, he felt the ground rumble as the earth near him cracked and buckled under the ungodly power of the artillery. Outside his bulletproof window, the first waves of the attack turned the soil, which seemed hard as stone not seconds before into sand, barrelling through the air at lethal speeds. Suddenly, the glass burst open, scattering fragments around the bunker and blowing him to the ground. He felt shards of glass slice through the skin of his abdomen and face, the feeling of his flesh tearing like paper. Particles of dust scattered around him. He tried to move his hands and legs to crawl away, but only received a sharp migraine in response. The concrete ceiling above him cracked, and his helmet's visor shattered, bombarding his eyes with shards of glass. The world suddenly went dark. He screeched, blacking out as a door opened behind him.
He came to seemingly seconds later. He saw that half of his visor was broken, luckily sparing his left eye, but absolutely massacring the left. The ceiling continued to break, as more rumbling could be felt outside. He was almost completely buried in dirt blown out from the open window. He barely heard the voices behind him, screaming at his sight, the feeling of someone behind him picking him up by the armpits. He heard only the ringing of his ears as another shell slammed directly into the roof, finally causing the reinforced bunker to give way. He barely scraped the chunks of concrete as he was pulled back into the superstructure. After a second of mumbling both curses and prayers, he went unconscious yet again.
After coming to a second time, he found his saviors beating away at his chest, forcing him back into consciousness. They yelled in disbelief that he was somehow still alive through it all. His right foot had been caught under the debris and was reduced to powder below him. Dazed and horrified, he felt no semblance of pain or shock as he was dragged by his arms further down the winding hallways down to the complex's medical center. Dust fell from the ceiling as continued barrages of artillery rained down on the mountainside above. "Stupid Dunovans," he thought, as dazed as he was. He knew that it would take a sustained hundred-year bombardment for them to even hope of reaching the complex within the mountain. Then, the power momentarily blacked out, the lights shorting out and relighting within a second. Then it went out again. And again. And this was when he noticed that the duration of the time in pure darkness was longer each interval. Finally, the entire facility was plunged into darkness. Given the fact that they were buried beneath over a mile of rock and soil, he felt carried away by the sensation that he could taste the blackness around him. It went beyond such levels and... suddenly his trance was interrupted by the blaring of sirens, and the unfamiliar flashing red of the backup lights. Above, the PA system was screeching [-PERIMETER BREACH-] in an unholy growl.
The sound of gunshots broke through even the loud screech of the alert. From ahead, a series of white flashes drove our officer's allies into a frenzy. As soon as they could see a door in the flashing red light, they yanked it open, and with one swift movement, tossed the man in, leaving him with a simple "Godspeed," before carefully closing the door, as not to draw attention from the enemies they were sure had gotten into the complex.
The lone officer lay on the hard concrete floor, completely alone. If there were any respite in the situation, it would be that there was no blood pooling beneath him, so he would not bleed out for now. But at this moment, it doesn't matter. If the enemy found him, his life would be over, and the classic rattle of rifle fire down the hallway only served to prove his theory. At this moment, he had one advantage over his enemy. The lights in this unknown room were out, and if he could simply crawl his way over to a cabinet or any closeted region he could fit his body into, he could wait out this attack until support arrived...
IF support arrived.
As he started to manifest his will into his hands, a splitting headache seemingly cracking his skull open, the thought barely came to mind. With every ounce of willpower he had left, he dug his fingers into the ground, pushing hard enough to make his nails bleed. He clawed his way forward, hand after hand, arm after arm, he made his way forwards, feeling out every inch of space around him. Finally, his hands grasped around a handle. His other hand found another, and as he forced himself on his side, he forced them open.
The stench of what must have been detergent hit him like a truck, and he assessed the situation again, taking a small break and rolling over on his back. Detergent. He immediately thought about any possible facility in the complex that could have any practical purpose for such a product. They went through his head like waves, as the pain finally began to subside. His logical mind landed upon the closest possible answer: "The washers."
With this hunch, he decided to see if what he stumbled upon was perhaps a machine, but his thoughts were cut off as pounding echoed through the room. He looked back to see that the door was buckling under the impact of something behind it. The pounding continued, and spears of red light illuminated sections of the room as it began to give way. Not wanting to see if the people behind were friends or foes, the officer decided it would be best to hide. Whoever was there, they likely wouldn't conduct an in-depth search of the entire room, so with a pull and a shove, he was halfway through the mystery cabinet before the door was blown inwards, and a streak of light found its way on a previously unseen board. [/WESTERN COILGUN BREECH ENTRANCE\] He thought yet again about the closet, and let out a cry as he realized that there was no floor to be seen out of his one good eye. It wasn't a closet, it was an access hatch. And that detergent was smokeless powder.
He tumbled through the hatch as he briefly caught glimpse of two men clad in Assault gear, rifles in hand. Frankly, a few years in a POW camp sounded better than being reduced to a heap of flesh on the floor at the moment, but he had already made his choice before he even knew he did. Luckily, it seemed fate was on his side as he reached his hand out again, and he grabbed hold of a ladder step. He held on for dear life, through yet another migraine, and found the strength to pull his other hand to reach the next bar up.
Before he could think through his next set of actions, the sound of metal whirring caught his attention. Above, the blue sky revealed itself as light poured in through a rectangular opening. A vast barrel revealed itself, and he watched as the upper side opened, and a huge round was lowered in. He was inside the firing complex. He looked down to see a terrifying ten-story drop. He looked to each side to see that this humongous rifle was at least over a hundred meters long. He looked up to see that he had fallen over a dozen more meters, and the hatch he climbed through was shut closed.
The sound of crackling was heard, and the entire section heated up until sweat poured into the officer's eyes. All went silent for a second, and then a colossal bang shook him to his bones. The entire rifle moved almost 50 meters backward, and a small dot on the horizon was seen rocketing through the sky.
He hanged from the ladder, an expression of shock and horror stretched across whatever remained of his face. Quickly, he began to slowly descend, hoping to use the momentary light to his advantage. He used only his hands and one good foot to descend the full ten stories, one hand after another. After almost a full twenty minutes elapsed, and multiple rounds were fired, he made his way to only around three stories off the ground before his hands finally gave out. His body descended the rest of the height in freefall before he collided with the metal catwalk. He thought of nothing. After all, it's likely it would make no real sense to do so at the moment. He had done so much thinking that perhaps staying in the moment would at least bring some closure to what he had just experienced. The thought of his comrades, riddled with bullets, barely fazed him. The thought of what could have happened to him if he didn't have the foresight to hide, didn't cross his mind. The thought of what he would have been if he didn't have the sheer luck to be only blind in one eye, to catch a ladder by accident, or to have so many people willing to sacrifice themselves for him around was what got to him. It tormented him, tearing through his psyche. But of course, now was not the time to think. Now, he needed to wait for someone, anyone, to save him now. As the mighty rifle chambered another round, he finally closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
“Oh not to worry, we simply have to prove our goodwill” The emeralds on Lord Yoren’s headdress glimmered as he smiled. “Feng Dynasty heads the Silk Road, and produces many goods to export. The Feng Dynasty offers Astana Anders... half-price for everything the Astana buys from Feng, and cheaper manufacturing specially for Astana Anders. This will be very good for the economy of Astana Anders, making your government wealthy and intimidating for fascist scum, making it easier to cleanse them.”
"... Um... We don't... import anything actually." Explained Reggie. "We have always followed the policy of Autarky ever since it was voted on in 1710 and finalized in the Self-Reliance Law which made it so we would import nothing but export a lot as our nation believe it or not is actually very rich and dense with natural resources. But yeah, also these are not fascists, despite how much we despise nationalism. They are mere left-wing ultranationalists. They are economically and sometimes socially left-wing but are hard core nationalists and often see you Fengese as reactionary imperialists planning on enslaving the Anderian race." Explained Reggie.
As Reggie explained everything... a group of people began stockpiling weapons to use against the Fengese.
Feng dynasty
“Hmm, left wing ultranationalists...” Lord Yiren sighed. “Feng can take criticism and dissent... but if anything or anyone from Feng Dynasty is harmed by these nationalists, who are citizens of your country... Astana Anders will bear the consequences. Naturally, the militaries of Feng would be involved, and North Electrica will be angered as well... do you want that?”
Jezabelstien
Natiliae brushed the windswept hair from her face, "Well the obvious thing would be the damned island but that's not my department..." she remarked casually, "Probably a load of heavy ordinance and some powerplants if you're nice, be easier than trying to untangle that mangled mess of tape." before she shrugged dismissively, "Only person who can really walk that back ain't gonna... well you could go above her head maybe but with the cyclops in her ear be easier said than done." Her posture seemed to soften as her words echoed softly in the air, a prolong sigh escaped her as she laid back on the carpet and stared at the clouds above; "Your sister's laughing at me, the EV goobers are laughing at me, Serena's laughing at me and the only reason Ralph ain't breathing down my neck about it is because I shot his head off."
Feng dynasty
“Hmmm... a mess of tape huh? We in the Court of Feng are rather used to bureaucratic complexities, our government is like our coronation robes! Big, cumbersome, heavily embellished and layered! ... hehe, a diplomatic entourage into the Hall of the Goddess seems endearing, and-” There was a faint buzz, muffled through silken robes. She took out a mobile device, glanced at it, and pleasant surprise illuminated her delicate features.
“Oooh, her majesty’s coming?” Princess Rongchang murmured lightly as she got to her feet, placing the phone back into a hidden pocket. “Time to stand up, remember Imperial courtesies~ Madame Natilae, perhaps you should stand too....” The assembly of servants arranged themselves into formation, the flurry of activity stirring the golden drifting leaves. “The Empress must have finished her work, maybe Madame Natilae will get more answers from her-” A gate opened in some unseen far-off place, behind the forest’s trees. Even from this distance, the footsteps of the entourage can be heard stepping in melodious rhythm.
“All Hail Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Taihe, Empress of Feng Dynasty, Ruler of the Hua, Fount of Nobility, Epitome of Grace, Lady Protector Astana Anders, Mistress of the Imperial House, and Exalted Voice of the Gilded Throne!”
The Imperial Chambermaid half-sang a fanfare, waving her large brush-like ornament. She stepped gracefully aside to reveal a large entourage of maidens in glistening, trailing robes, holding sceptre-like fans, jade and gold ornaments like vases and jewels, 16 men pulling an ornate ceremonial palanquin, and a large hanging umbrella of rich silk, shading an elegant lady whose robes billowed softly in the wind. The Empress had changed to a robe of pale silk, its pink fading to white at the outer segments and embroidered with understated opulence in pure gold. The large buns in her hair was studded with artful jewels, extravagant yet ungaudy, that glimmered like gilt stars as she moved.
“My Imperial Sister!” Princess Rongchang exclaimed, falling to a kneel with her servants. “How simply charming to see you!” “No need for formalities, dear sister, do arise....” The Empress murmured softly. She smiled, turning to Natilae. “Our honoured guest of Jezabelstein... one gives my highest treasured greetings. It is most ungracious of this one as a host to leave our guest like this... but pressing matters accosted me so much so that one was dragged ungracefully away. One does pray that you forgive the trouble we gave.” The Empress gave a slight bow as she murmured, her voice soft and delicate yet running with an undercurrent of regal grace. “You came for... Jezabel concerns of Fengese weapons imports from Electrica and on the subject of vassals I presume? Shall we leave for my drawing chamber and discuss? One also hopes to make up for lost hospitality....”
48 hours had now passed... No riots, no nothing, at the last second everyone had chickened out as Republican Police began to come in numbers, Mrs. de Krai had called everything off, though it still did not meant that many still viewed the Electri, Fengese, and The Atlas Archipelago any more favorable. Joseph sits and has a gigantic sigh of relief. However, he knows that this will not be the end of it... he once again calls Reggie.
"Yes sir?" Said Reggie coming into the office. "... Tell Lord Yiren... to look at the document I gave him... ask him... when can the Feng soon look into the possibility of a United Northern Utopian Union?" Said Joseph. "Right away sir." Said Reggie as he once again made his way toward the Council of Fengese Voice with a little note saying;
You know, A Northern Utopian Union between Jezabelstien and the Feng dynasty would make it harder for war to happen.
The bright moon was faded and covered by the thick overcast, clouds rolling quietly by as a light spring sprinkle began to drizzle down.
"Good Afternoon, Network Director. State your destination."
"Connect to Rapture Defense Network..."
"Connecting"
The robotic metallicism of the Network AI sometimes reminded the Director of the lifelessness that sometimes haunted him at nights. War horrors are unknown to him now as the days pass. War long ago now lost in his mind which would crop up in his brain. The Director took his seat as the network system slowly loaded him into the defense network, his eyes tiredly sinking as the dark room bustled with quiet activity. The large screen in the front of the room zoomed in on Atlas, an assortment of lights, lines, and blinking dots lighting up the board along with a legend and various numbers.
"Connected. Orders, Sir?"
The Director gathered the attention of the majority of the staff as he leaned in, the screen zooming out to a full view of Dissopoloforia. There splayed out on the large map were the nations along with various times and data pieces flying by, presumably launch times and arrivals for various weaponry. He typed in a city names and various other orders, the letters forming into numbers separated by periods. The coordinates filed into the system with the target locations coming up in blinking red-white dot. Various data points proceeded to pull up, ranging from ICBM launch and arrival times to megaton output. The eyes which were directed on the Director now became worried as he set in Defensive Standby Readiness, standing and letting out a heavy sigh as he watched the network go into work.
Far off near the border, the Superguns Knightfall and Battery powered to life, the turbojets firing to life on the underbody of the cannon, shifting the two superguns on their barbettes, barrels raised into the night sky, looming and foreboding at whatever they may drive forth upon. RLUMSs went into DSR, missiles prepared for launch in the possibility of an attack. Just outside of the waters which lay under Anderian control, the battlegroup which had visited the capital which ended in a fallout of all relations sat, waiting in a taunt against the Anderians. The waters they float in were outside their control, and the Anderians could do nothing but contemplate.
The International Espionage and Intelligence Agency had gathered wind of the Anderian nationalist demands, their liberal-like democracy with a weak backbone, Atlas doubted Joseph would counter their demands. The fleets were on standby, missiles and superguns now traversed and saluted in a readiness, the armies standing guard and awaiting orders...The Feng should hope their vassal learns to get their populace under control because they not only threaten ourselves, but the Feng and another of theirs.
"Orders received, Director. Coordinate lock on Omni City and Key Defensive Positions. Rapture is armed and prepared for defensive engagement."
"Sir... we have confirmation of a preparedness from The Atlas Archipelago, they have weapons locked on to us and have ships in our waters, apparently the are angry from the demands of the cancelled Anderian Unity Rally." Said Reggie. Joseph have had enough of the damn Atlans. There constant threats, showiness of war, and absolute disregard for anything other than themselves. "...Tell Vladimir... mobilize all troops and get the reserves on... damn the treaty." Said Joseph breathing rage. When the order was given, it was impossible for people to imagine it... their government (legitimate) was going to war... something that had not been done for centuries.
5 Solidarity-Class Frigates, fast and armed with point-blank cannons went out to meet the battlegroup... sending them a message to leave their waters immediately with missiles being ready on the ports of Vander. He knows they most likely won't win a battle with just 5 frigates and 7 thousand police men... but they don't have to. If Atlas fires upon them... it would paint them as the aggressor in this conflict and risk losing their alliance with Atlas, lives would be lost and Joseph could be punished, but it was worth it. Even if it means losing his title of Vassal, it will be worth it to finally stop the reactionary Atlans.
The entire nation waits... how will Atlas respond?
Feng dynasty
"Oh, good lord, again?" Lord Yiren muttered as he watched, his Court gathered around him. "I thought we asked them to not accost Fengese vassals with such power-" His robes glimmered as he left for his study, taking out a pen and paper. Lines of neat calligraphy appeared as he swished his pen.
To the most Honourable Lord President of Vassalised Astana Anders,
Please do not act rashly, Feng Dynasty shall deal with this lest it escalates to a higher degree. Keep your ships with the battlegroup, if you will, but do not fire unless they fire first. The Fengese shall send an envoy, and will appreciate greatly if Astana Anders would allow this Fengese envoy access to a Frigate to negotiate in person.
If Astana Anders enters war, it means that Feng as a just overlord shall enter war as well. And thus, Feng shall make absolute sure that no rash decisions will be made. Talk to the Fengese envoy for any instructions. Thank you.
"Send this to the Anderian President...." Lord Yiren handed it to a servant without a glance in his direction, and began preparing a message to the Atlas
Message to the Atlas Battlegroup Outside of Astana Anders
The voice of Lord Yiren spoke, a formal, eloquent voice that seemed to pronounce every word with graceful tongue.
"Lord Yiren speaks, representative of the Fengese Court in guidance of Astana Anders as vassal to the Fengese Imperium." He began. "Atlas Archipelago is a nation where her majesty, Empress Taihe, sees as a nation where diplomatic discussion and friendship is of great appeal. Imperial Feng knows of the high Atlan regard for Feng, and Feng responds in kind. It is however, that this can change with the current events. Atlas must know that any military threat, taunt, or declaration of war towards Astana Anders is the equivalent of a threat towards the Fengese Dynasty, and thus Feng shall respond in kind with the sword and shield. Atlas best tread carefully, lest relations between Atlas and Feng fall into the ice."
"Incoming Transmission from Omni City!" the Comms Officer shouted, Titus striding over before hearing the alarm blare. "We have incoming Anderian ships, small frigates, five in total along with missiles armed at Port of Vander." Titus huffed as he yelled orders, turning the vessel broadside and using the battlegroup to form two prongs. The eighteen inch cannons turned to aim against the five approaching vessels, missiles on the various other vessels arming to fire against the vessels and the port. He turned the transmission on to the lead vessel, speaking. "Solidarity-class Frigate, you are approaching at high speeds and are armed and prepared. Cease your approach as you are about to enter international waters. We are not in your waters, we are in international waters. Stop and await command."
He then changed transmission to Lord Yiren. "Lord Yiren, we have no threat against the Anderians. You must know of the riot and Mr. Vargas' hard threats and insults against us. It was natural for us to prepare our defensive positions, the Anderians misunderstood entirely, we sit in international waters to ensure that any threat which may face us would be quickly vanquished. We suggest you implore the Anderians pull their forces back and we can come to an agreement. We are willing to disarm our defense readiness and pull Battlegroup Verelinn is Mr. Vargas is willing to ensure that his population as well as himself won't pull any stunts like that."
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