An Olive Branch For Those In Dire Straits

[DrMedic]

    The Imperatrix paced about her bedchambers, it’d been a solid week since Laurence had accepted Gulliver’s challenge for a duel, and even still the only news she’d received was that he was no longer in critical condition and was slowly recovering. Whilst she was beyond relieved to hear he was going to be alright, it didn’t help ease the burden left on her shoulders. Typically the couple carried a rather equal share of responsibilities between them, both taking charge of the tasks that suited them best. With the Imperator out of commission however, that left her to pick up the slack, something much easier said than done. Coupled with her own suspicions of pregnancy, and it all made for quite the cocktail of stress.



    She was troubled by the situation overseas. Getting news about the war was difficult before, but just kept getting harder and harder and harder as time passed. Even still, Koi’s presses seemed unstoppable, as publication after publication was churned out with the same breakneck pace they were known for. Their situation was dire. Of course, Laurence was always more keen on handling things on the ground, despite his affinity for aviation, but Marina knew all the same that with how close Galra was to Põhiliin, the Koian state was living on borrowed time. Nevertheless, with how the civil wars had drained Eleria’s resources and cast the industries into disarray, she couldn’t afford any expeditionaries, let alone with Galra knocking at the door. Realistically, it left her with one option.

    She sat down at her desk, picking up her favorite pen and contemplating what she should write whilst inspecting the delicate ivory and gold writing implement. Still stumped after a solid five minutes, she threw caution to the wind, and simply wrote the honest truth of what was on her mind.

---

    First Dictator Victoria Serenia Rela, Second Dictator Vidrik Timmur Valgus, and esteemed Ministers within the Executive Cabinet of the Republic of Koi,

    I pray to the mother with all fervor that this telegram finds you well, though I fear with the grim situation you find yourselves in, that may not be the case. I am certain you are all well aware of the developments that have been occurring in my beloved Imperium as of late, just as I am aware of yours. The world itself has recognized Galra for the existential threat they pose to all of us, yet still there is no truly coordinated effort to push them back to their wretched hive. Regrettably, I fear the worst for your state, which is why I wish to bring an offer to the table. Whilst I cannot spare any forces as expeditionaries to aid in the fight, (and truthfully, I believe that even if I were capable, they would not make remotely enough of a difference to turn the tide), I can make you this offer. I would like to invite you, and as many of your people as possible to take up residence within Eleria for the time being. Be they government, civilian, military, or otherwise, the Imperium will open her gates to you all to provide shelter from the storm. It is my belief that perhaps, father willing, between us and the other civilized nations of the world, we may just be able to turn this war around. Unfortunately, that means we’ll have to fight very conservatively, and may force us into a tactical retreat for the time being, but as my beloved husband so loves to say, “the war isn’t over until the final volley has been fired.” Please, consider my offer, and keep me well informed. I await your correspondence with bated breath.

    Wishing you safe travels and fair seas,
        Imperatrix Marina Cunningham MacDonald

---

The telegram would be dispatched immediately, being recreated at the Embassy of the Greater Imperium of Eleria in Põhiliin with the Imperial Seal emblazoned proudly beneath the Imperatrix’s signature.

[EpicToaster1]

The Dictators sat in their shared office, looking out the window towards the Northwest. While out of view, the Galran front was closing fast, approaching the city of West Rogorad about 200 miles by rail away.

"What do you make of it?"

"I'm worried."

"I am too...But I meant the telegram."

"Oh. That. We can get there... Escape through the Staol Bay, with stop-overs in Vilsamaa and Kurepina. If we can run the Galran blockade, it'd be a straight shot to Eleria's mainland."

"But, we have don't have the shipping capacity to keep fueling others and evacuate people."

"Then we won't evacuate. We have to keep the war effort going for as many countries as possible. If we falter, the rest will fall soon after."

The two stared at each other for a moment before looking back out the window, the streets filled with trucks and street-running trains and trams, trying to prep the city for the incoming storm.

---

To the esteemed Imperatrix Marina Cunningham MacDonald of the Imperium of Eleria,

We thank you for your concern and the invitation for asylum to your nation should dire straits arrive. However, despite the Galran threat that is currently baring down on the front lawn of our capital, we cannot abandon our positions until there is no more house left standing. As a show of good graces, however, we have four staolliers en route as of the dispatching of this message. They'll be steaming into your ports during night to avoid detection by Galran fleets operating around Touli's western coastline.

Until there is no Koian soil left to defend, we will be standing our ground against the foreign invaders. All of our embassy channels will remain open; though we understand if you feel it necessary to recall your diplomats for safety.

May Areyar guide Our Souls.
Victoria Rela, First Dictator
Vidrik Valgus, Second Dictator

[DrMedic]

    Once again, the Imperatrix was left with a telegram in hand, and a critical decision to make. Things in the Imperium were tense to say the least, with the groundwork for the expansion of the Elerian industrial base being laid, training of new troops consuming much of the military’s time, and the utter chaos on mainland Touli, it was near impossible for the poor woman to find even ten minutes’ rest. Furthermore, she knew that every moment spent dawdling not only put more lives at risk, but also saw numerous avenues for victory close off for good. In her mind, the time for action was now, but what action could she take? Knowing there was little to lose and much to gain, she retrieved her charter of vessels from her desk, thumbing through page after page and writing down Captain’s names from within Iomart and her immediate surroundings, both civilian and military. She knew her course of action, but with the lateness of the hour, there wasn’t much she could do this evening. She opened the doorway to her bedchambers, calling down the hall for one of her attendants. Within a minute, she had two standing at her door.

    “I’m sorry for asking you both to run an errand for me at this hour, but time is of the essence. I have a list of names here. Take this to the Naval Office immediately, deliver it to Admiral Krenshaw, and tell him that he must ensure as many of these captains as possible are here at the palace at noon. Go now.” She said, passing the list of names off to one of them. With a nod, they both got on their way, carrying out their orders as swiftly as they could.

    The banquet hall of the palace was finally prepared a little over an hour before noon the following day, all manner of men and women with seafaring experience took their seats in a semicircle of chairs that had been set up for them, whilst the Imperatrix would stand opposite the windows and present her rather tentative plan for the operation. A map had been tacked to a steel sheet suspended from the wall, with small figures of ships, both hostile and allied, placed about where intelligence expected them to be on the day of the operation. Next to the map was a blackboard, allowing her to put down keynotes as the meeting went on. Promptly at noon, she began her briefing, tucking her scepter under her arm as she gave a sharp clap to draw everyone’s attention.

     “Good day to you all, and thank you for coming here on such short notice. I know that you all more than likely had very different plans today, and it means a great deal to me that you chose to set them aside and heed my summons. I’m sure that you’re all very well aware of the situation overseas. Galra has invaded numerous nations, our own included, whilst Grinvel has supported them in their attacks against The Republic of Koi. I’ve taken the liberty of opening a direct line of communication between myself and the Dictators, offering them asylum within our country. They have opted to decline my offer, admirably opting to remain in Koi until the very last. They’ve sent four Staolliers to us, currently en route to port here in Iomairt. They will be arriving during the night to avoid the Galran blockade. Should they arrive unharmed, and should I receive approval from the Koians, I intend to carry out what I’ve taken to calling ‘Operation Selkie’.”

    Marina took her scepter from beneath her arm, using it to point out various points on the map. “Under cover of night, you will leave the port at Ballachulish, setting sail for the island of Kurepina. You will be required to maintain no greater than half speed, and your firemen below deck must ensure that they keep their fires as cold as possible until you are no less than thirty miles offshore. Any faster, and you run the risk of blowing embers out the stack and revealing your location. Lights are to be kept to an absolute minimum. I don’t give a damn if that means the only light available on the bridge is hurricane lanterns. Once thirty miles offshore, you may increase your speed to full until you reach Kurepina. Refuel once you’re there, as well as at Vilsamaa. If there’s no coal available, use staol. As I’m sure you’re all aware, that means your fireboxes and boilers will need extra care to ensure they’re not getting choked by rust. Bring a healthy quantity of sand to sand down your boiler tubes, and try to draft the fires hard to push as much buildup through the funnel as possible. You will be ferrying men and arms to Koi, and likely civilians to Eleria, I will need to confirm with the Koian Dictators if they would like us to take civilians. If we do, in all likelihood it’ll be women, children, the elderly, and the infirm. In the event that we are required to take anyone that is suffering from an injury or disease, I would advise they be placed on a military vessel where the infirmary can see to it that they’re cared for. Then again, they might have to send some of their own doctors for that. Does anyone have any questions?”

    Much of the crowd exchanged murmurs, eventually coming to a somewhat general consensus, with one particular gentleman in an Imperial Navy Commodore’s uniform standing. “Ma’am, with all due respect, the task you’ve provided seems… dare I say suicidal?”

    With a sigh, Marina nodded, “I know. I understand the risk, as well as the sheer magnitude of what I’m asking of you all. This war isn’t one we can hide from, it already made its way to our doorstep once. We won’t be able to fight this one alone, we’ll need allies, and Koi is a strong ally that puts us in a good position, not to mention any time we can buy them against Galra is time that the other nations who’re engaged in the fight can keep their forces fueled. Those of you civilians, I can’t make you risk your lives. If you don’t want to risk the lives of your crew, I understand. The navy will do what we can with what we’ve got available. We’ll find a way to accomplish our mission. We’re Elerian, we get the job done or we die trying. If not for certain… extraneous circumstances, I’d take my flagship and lead the group myself.”

    As she finished her thought, several of the civilian captains shifted in their seats, clearly considering taking their leave. After a solid twenty seconds of silence, one of the civilians, likely a citizen, stood up, saying only the motto of the Imperial Navy “Do na cuantaibh, an tòir air sith shiorruidh,” as he rendered a salute. Slowly, others began to stand and join him, each repeating the motto as they did. Soon, everyone in the room was offering a salute, Marina returning it in kind as she said, “You all make me proud to be here with you. Galra has been doing a fine job of showing the Koians humanity at our worst. Let’s show them what we’re like at our best. I’ll finalize the operation and send a telegram to the Koians. Please be well, and expect to hear from me in short order.”

---

    First Dictator Victoria Rela, Second Dictator Vidrik Valgus,

    Your transports of staol are greatly appreciated, though I do hope they aren’t a tax upon your resources. I cannot begin to express my respect for your will to stick this through to the bitter end. That kind of patriotism is a very admirable trait, one that I’m sure resonates deeply within the heart of every Elerian. I took the liberty of reviewing the books once more, and I’m confident that I can spare a division or two. I know that it’s not much, but I don’t want to simply sit idly by and twiddle my thumbs whilst you and your people are in peril.

    In light of this, I would like to propose an alliance. It seems to me that we have a common course, and I believe that cooperation could greatly benefit us both. I will admit, there is little I can do at the moment, but Eleria has a strong will to fight, to bring justice to Galra’s doorstep. If you can help us build up our industry, we could greatly improve our combat capability. As it stands, much of our territory on mainland Touli has yet to be exploited. Our infrastructure there is not to an acceptable level, and there is a great wealth of resources that are ripe for the picking. In addition, we have several captured hostile aircraft that we’re attempting to reverse-engineer, in pursuit of developing our own improved domestic design. Were we able to accomplish these tasks, I’m quite confident we could help shift the course of the war.

    Please, consider the offers that I’ve brought to the table. I will be waiting for your approval to send men, and if I may, I would strongly urge you to consider sending women, children, the elderly, and the infirm on our transports, that way they can remain safely away from the front. Regardless if you choose to accept what I can bring to the table, know that Eleria stands by your side.

    In pursuit of everlasting peace,

        Imperatrix Marina Cunningham MacDonald

[EpicToaster1]

To the esteemed Imperatrix Marina Cunningham MacDonald of the Imperium of Eleria,

It is no tax upon our resources. Our coffers flow with Staol and we'll happily provide for a friend in need. Any help is appreciated, but do not strain your own war effort if you can't afford it. We are doing what we can to protect ourselves, as should you protect your own.

With the continuation of shipments of Staol, we can see about hiring some engineers who would be willing to travel and provide their expertise to your nation and teach your people our industrial systems. We will provide some aeronautical engineers to help in your effort, as well as we will see if we can bring some representatives from Boreal who manufacturer our aircraft engines in case that will help in the efforts of the engines you have in possession.

Let us know if any other assistance could be useful; we'll see what we can spare.

May Areyar guide Our Souls.
Victoria Rela, First Dictator
Vidrik Valgus, Second Dictator