Friday, September 12, 2008, 9:30 PM
ROAD TO WAR [2]
Road to War [2] : Pacifying
Author's Note:
Tensions arise between the Kingdom and the Republic due to the Southern Taxzn Counterfeit Incident
News of the counterfeit incident in Southern Taxzn quickly spread to Northern Taxzn. Elerd froze all trading between the Kingdom and Northern Taxzn, fearing that the same might happen to the Zanax - Northern Taxzn currency.
The economical standstill has brought about famine throughout the Taxzn continent. Peasants gathered and rebelled against both Provisional Governments.
- - - - -
King Jarit's Front Yard, Rear Town
Rear Land (Neutral Ground)
William's Year 642 [Elerd Calendar]
Steam Year 1876 [Rogwel Calendar]
"It seems neither of us is interested in resolving the problem in Taxzn. It's very selfish of us. We promised our allies in Taxzn that we would help them. Yes, we have protected their land for centuries. But it was for the sake of our economy. You can't deny that we've gained a lot of resources and profit from the market in Taxzn. And now, they are in trouble. Then we shunned them away," spoke Romius, who couldn't bear to see both leaders doing nothing worthwhile for the Taxzn crisis.
Yes, he had shamed them in front of King Jarit, ruler of Rear Land. But it was a lesson.
William sighed. His elder sworn brother was right. His elder sworn brother had gave him the correct advice at the right time.
But President James VII didn't look too happy about the way Romius talked to the both of them. He felt that Romius had no right to lesson him, so he gave Romius a stern look.
William didn't notice anything, and continued the discussion.
"Well, I have an idea that can motivate both parties. Let's play a game."
"What?" asked James, "It's not the time to play a game."
"No worries, President. Whoever pacifies both halves of Taxzn will win the game. The prize is..."
William paused. He was going to make a suggestion that risks the Kingdom's treasury and future survivability.
"The prize is 1 vault of Energy Stones," he continued.
James laughed hard. "Are you sure!?"
"Yes, I am," said William, with his head held high.
"You look confident. Well, I'll play the game with you. We'll start 36 hours from now."
- - - - -
Civilian Zeppelin Dock, Nasdaim
Elerd Kingdom
William's Year 642
After Rear Town Conference
"Your Majesty, I just don't understand. Why did you sacrifice a huge fraction of our Neosteam treasury?" asked Romius.
"Look, we've been selfish. My ancestors allied with Taxzn for the sole purpose of our Kingdom's selfish gains. And what you said just now just gave us a tight slap. Think about it again, by shunning our allies away, we're tarnishing the reputation of our nations. And we'll be labelled as bad rulers."
"But you shouldn't do so at the expense of the survivability of the Kingdom!"
"It's too late, Romius. The agreement is signed. Move on."
"..."
"I know what I'm doing. Now, I have a favour to ask from you."
"What is it?"
"You're the Premier, and also the Lord Knight of the Royal Army. Go to Northern Taxzn, and pacify them. Once you've done so, do the same for the South. Do it fast before the Republic accumulates their troops. Adopt the lightning strike strategy. The Kingdom is relying on you now, Romius."
Suddenly, Romius felt heavy on his shoulders.
"Please, Romius? You're our greatest general in Court."
"Okay..." said Romius reluctantly, "I'll do it... for you, Brother..."
"No. Don't do it for me..." William paused. "Do it for the Kingdom."
Romius nodded. Both of them parted, and Romius suddenly realized the meaning of 'pacify' that William suggested.
It means war. It means invasion.
- - - - -
Council Room, Gretycos Castle
Republic of Rogwel
Steam Year 1876
After Rear Town Conference
"My maestros, it is time for us to show our military prowess again. It has been centuries since we last fought. It's time for a little warm up. Announcer, please," spoke President, as he gathered his members in the Council Room.
"Presidential Decree 3481, Swift Assault. Imperator Kane, you are hereby appointed as the Front Vanguard and will be leading the operation Swift Assault upon the continent of Taxzn. Your Zeppelin Fleet will launch an attack on Northern Taxzn. The fleet will approach Taxzn from the south, bombing your way through until you have reached the border. Then you will launch the full-scale invasion on Northern Taxzn.
"Imperator Dave, you are hereby appointed as the Left Vanguard and will be leading the main attack on Southern Taxzn. Your naval fleet must destroy all enemy targets along the southern coast. Then, send in your strike force to wipe out all enemy authorities.
"Imperator Marie, you are hereby appointed as the Right Vanguard and will be placing a blockade around the Taxzn continent. Prevent all reinforcements sent by the Elerd Kingdom by eliminating them. Do the same for remnant Elerd troops escaping the continent.
"All Imperators, your sole focus should be wiping out Elerd forces after controlling the continent. End of Presidential Decree 3481, Swift Assault."
"So, Imperators, most important question for the expedition: how much Neosteam will we need?" asked James, smiling.
"Roughly a vault. If not, more," replied Kane confidently.
Well that smile on James immediately turn into a frown. His eyebrows were almost touching each other.
He had nothing to say. Even if he won the game, there wouldn't be much of a gain.
"So sir, are we still going to continue with the expedition?" asked Kane again.
James sighed, looking down at the floor, then turned to Kane, and replied, "Of course. We must."
[To be continued ...]
- - - - -
Episode II
Flashbacks
Posts!
Author's Words [1]
Road to War [1]
Road to War [2]
Road to War [3]
Road to War [4]
Road to War [5]
Road to War [6]
Author's Words [2]
Flashbacks [1]
Flashbacks [2]
Flashbacks [3]
Flashbacks [4]
Flashbacks [5]
Tag
Links
Layout: Yeling
Neosteam
NS Official Site
NS CM Blogsite
NS MMO Blog
Forum
[CM]Gailardia
[CM]Bubbles
Writers of the Kingdom
Erand
ErikaLei
Kind
Kyuzki
Romalias
Sade
Shany
Towel
Writers of the Republic
Baka
Dekas
Archives