Forging New Swords

[StaolDerg]

Territorial Armed Forces High Command
Communique of Request
1945


To: Minister of the Hunt, Ministry of War

---

Ryōshi Sentoko-Kama, a recent evaluation by the Armed Forces has revealed that the forces of Takpoe are lacking against our neighbors, and possibly the traitorous insurgents among our midst as well. Vital ports and bases, in addition to major population centers and industrial cores have little defenses, if any, and more than two stockpiles have been attacked in recent months by insurrectionists, barely fended off by the local garrisons. Our firearms are outdated- our officers still carry revolvers nearly forty, if not sixty years out of date. Infantry desperately need newer service rifles capable of higher muzzle velocities.

To supplant these issues, I would like to humbly request permission to establish a number of armories to look into the development and production of new equipment, in addition to the construction and authority to install a number of coastal installations to protect the coast. I understand that you would prefer to discuss these matters in person: thusly, I would be most happy to arrange a meeting for further discussion at the Citadel of War in Kesternrim.

With honor to the Empress,

Vaiseln Api, Territorial Armed Forces Chief of Staff

[Sophie]

Vaiseln Api-kan.

Your message has been received. An in-person meeting will be required for a proper evaluation of your armament needs. As a reminder, if your request is deemed frivolous you will be immediately demoted and replaced. Ryōshi Sentoko-Kama is currently in the midst of speed trials aboard the RBS Kyosho. She will be dispatched to Kesternrim first thing tomorrow morning, and will arrive in about nine days. She will require armored motorized transport from the Elna port. As well as the room the meeting is to take place must be no warmer than 60°F. Should the meeting last more than four hours a lunch must be provided, which can be reimbursed provided you file a reimbursement form 36-72J.

Should it be deemed necessary Ryōshi Sentoko-Kama shall perform an inspection of no less than five random divisions to get a proper understanding of your equipment needs. If it is discovered you dequipped these divisions to garner her approval you will be immediately demoted and replaced.

With honor to the Empress.

Secretary Chiba Ko

[StaolDerg]

Vaiseln wasn't worried about the threat of demotion. If anything, it was reassuring that it was only demotion, and nothing worse. Or as reassuring as serving under the Kumo could ever be. She pursed her libs as she looked over the table of firearms before her. It was... sparse, to say the least. An officer's revolver, service rifle, and an submachinegun, in addition to a machine gun and combat shotgun were displayed before her, being very well antique designs despite their markings showing them to be recently produced models. Uniforms were displayed nearby: khaki uniforms with shaped leather belt cases for equipment and a bulky backpack, with only a cloth cap for headgear. In an age of modern field equipment, it was more than disappointing in appearance and even worse, the Inselni personally knew, in use. 

She thought about her other preparations she'd made. The Minister would obviously see the lack of coastal defenses upon arriving, with only the ancient forts watching over the port. The armored train Morning Glory, bringing her to Kesternrim, was the newest and most modern of the rail fleet. Should be enough protection, the Inselni figured, looking over the equipment. Even the reimbursement forms had been applied and the room they'd meet in was arranged to be one of the lower floors, very well nearly a freezer in its own right at 40^o F. Vaiseln tapped her claws against the table, still evaluating what she'd be able to tell that wasn't already shown to the Minister.

An aid entered, saluting her. "Ma'am. Morning Glory is here, ready to pick you up. She'll get refueled at Elna once you arrive to greet the Minister. Reception color guard is assembled."

"Good. And the divisions? I assume the annotated maps are already aboard to present to Ryōshi Sentoko-Kama?"

"That they have. The divisons' commanders have been notified. Fresh field uniforms and equipment is being issued- they'll all be on standby to receive her."

"Well done." The officer reached for her crown, turning to the door. "I'll be at the port at once."

[Sophie]

Ryōshi Sentoko was still aboard the newly constructed RBS Kyosho, a Hokori Class Battleship when she received the message. She was not commanding the ship, nor did she have the authority to do so, she was simply ordered to observe the latest edition to the fleet undergo sea trials. She was handed a sheet of paper from one of the communications officers onboard the bridge.

Ryōshi Sentoko-Kama.

Your presence is requested in Elenria.

The prefecture is complaining of under-armament in face of potential enemies on Touli.

Your orders are to report to Elna where armored transport will be waiting for you.

Vaiseln Api will be waiting for you.

You are to evaluate their current equipment and make a judgment call on whether or not they are to be equipped with more modern arms.

You have been granted authority to divert the battlegroup containing the RBS Kyosho to arrive in nine days.

With honor to the Empress.

Ryōshi rolled her eyes. "Damn tribals. Should be grateful for what they have." She walked over to the commanding officer's chair and put her hand on the Admiral's shoulder. "Vice-Admiral Yasu-Kan. I'm afraid we'll need to divert the battle group to Elenria. I have immediate orders there."

The Vice-Admiral was a bit taken aback and shook her head. "Surely you're joking Sentoko-Kan. The Kyosho launched two weeks ago and isn't anywhere near completing her trials."

Ryōshi frowned but nodded. "I understand. However, you surely understand the importance if I was given the order. We need to make landfall in Elna in nine days."

The Vice Admiral's mouth was agape. She stood from her chair to face the minister properly. "Can't you just take a detachment of my destroyers? You'd reach Elenria sooner that way, and I could continue the Kyosho's sea trials. The earliest I could get you to Elna is ten days. We'd need to have the auxiliaries supply us with fuel on the way after we refuel at Hawaii."

"I'm afraid breaking off the destroyers is unacceptable. I cannot allow the battlegroup to be weakened for any reason, let alone one as frivolous as this. Your complaints have been noted and should anything go wrong you will be absolved of all wrongdoing. I trust you to properly coordinate with the auxiliaries to make this mission possible. If there's anyone I trust to get this done, it's you."

The Vice-Admiral groaned and put her hand through her hair. "I'll make it happen. Somehow. You'll owe me, Ryōshi." She gave the Minister a small smile and bowed deeply.

The Minister laughed and bowed in return. "Of course Nakayama. I'll buy you a few drinks when we make it to port." She smiled, happy to drop the professional air for even just a moment since she was welcomed aboard the massive battleship. "I need to go and get some rest and study up on the Elenrian customs. Believe it or not but I've never been before. I'll be taking my leave. Thank you again Vie-Admiral." She approached the hatch, but before opening it she turned around and bowed to the rest of the crew on the bridge. "Thank you all for your hard work." The crew quickly turned to her and bowed in return. "And you for yours ma'am!" Ryōshi Sentoko left the bridge and made way for her quarters.

-------------------------------------------------

After a long nine-day journey the battlegroup finally arrived at the Elna port. The RBS Kyosho was the first ship to dock; the massive battleship towered over the buildings at the dock. With a small detachment of marines, the minister was the first to disperse off the ship. Minister Ryōshi Sentoko's torso was that of a tarantula. However, she was wearing her ceremonial metal armor that covered the majority of her exoskeleton. On her person was a type 99 bolt action rifle, a Nambu model 14 pistol, and a ceremonial saber. She stood with her guard and awaited Vaiseln Api.

[StaolDerg]

A contingent of Territorials met them at the dock, Vaiseln at their head. The Inselni officer carried a weaker type 26 officer's revolver, the contingent armed with their much older Murata single-shot, black powder-firing rifles. The soldiers themselves were dressed in the standard field khakis, the Inselni members with a light plate of armor shielding their upper chest in addition. The clothing itself was clear enough at appearance to be of antiquitated pattern, bandoliers still consisting of large cases of shaped leather. 

They snapped to attention as the battlegroup arrived in harbor, waiting before the form of the armored train behind them. As the Kumo approached, they snapped a smart salute, rifles butts upon the ground and leaned forward precisely. It was quite evident that years of military drill had at least not been wasted.

Vaiseln stepped before the Kumo, bowing deeply before them as protocol demanded. "Ryōshi Sentoko-Kama," she greeted. "I am humbled by your presence. I am prepared to report on the matter at hand as you wish." The Inselni remained bowed, waiting to be excused by a response.

[Sophie]

Ryōshi looked over the group who had taken to greet her, and assumed that the one addressing her was Vaiseln Api. She bowed very slightly before speaking. "You must be Vaiseln Api-Kas. I've read a lot about you on my way here. I have quite the arsenal of questions for you. Though first I need something to eat. Preferably that wasn't stored in a freezer for over a week." She walked past the delegation that had greeted her, the detachment of marines following close behind her. She approached a small shop on the docks that seemed to be very popular. The line that had formed for it quickly backed off as she approached. She took a glance at the menu and her eyes locked onto one item in particular.

Pork and Lobster Soup with Thin Noodles - ¥350

The Minister licked her lips at the prospect of fresh seafood and fished out her wallet and pulled out two ¥100 coins and placed them on the counter. "Could I get Pork and Lobster Soup with Thin Noodles?" The Inselni at the counter hesitated at first, but the air around the massive Kumo before her stifled any protest about the cost she was about to bring up. "Yes ma'am. Thank you." The Inselni retreated behind the counter and began to assemble the food for her. After a moderate few minutes of waiting the clerk handed the Kumo a paper bowl and chopsticks. It was jam-packed with pork and lobster. The clerk had made sure to fill it to the brim to not upset the Kumo.

The Minister began shoveling the soup into her mouth. With a mouth full of noodles and lobster Ryōshi spoke up again. "Mmph, this is phenomenal. What is this some kind of delicacy here? I've never had it before."

[StaolDerg]

"Of course."
Watching her maneuver to the shop, Vaiseln had the urge to grit her teeth as they paid less than a third of the regular cost. The officer felt a pang of sympathy for the shop owner and those in line. Avoiding eye contact with her marines, she addressed the Minister. "Yes, Sentoko-Kama. The dish is very popular among out coastal population, though it is eaten whenever able to, usually on weekends."

She crossed her arms behind her, patiently awaiting her next order- or when the spider finished.

[Sophie]

"Incredible. We should bring this back to the home islands." She finished stuffing herself with the soup and handed the now empty cup to one of her marines. "Very well then. Take me where we're going. Let's get this meeting off the ground." The large Kumo stared at the Vaiseln Api expecting them to take her to the armored transport.

[StaolDerg]

"You honor our people, Sentoko-Kama." The inselni dipped her head in acknowledgement, directing the Minister to the armored passenger cars. There was visibly enough room for the marine contingent; several additional armored passenger cars had replaced the standard artillery car complement, with an additional engine to tow the additional weight. Vaiseln allowed the Minister and marines to board first, ready to follow behind. She nodded at the Territorials- they would not be boarding.

As she let the others board, Vaiseln set her hands on her belt, mentally preparing herself to present the explanation before the Minister. She only hoped that they'd be able to see the extent of the problem and allow the Territorials to form their own armaments department. There was the possibility that the Minister would only force through minor updates too of slightly different outdated equipment- something that the officer hoped to avert in her request, but ultimately, was better than nothing.

[Sophie]

Ryōshi sat inside the armored train car and sat comfortably on one of the seats. She watched out the window as the port and the RBS Kyosho disappeared into the distance. She turned back to Vaiseln and began pulling a handful of documents out of her briefcase. "Well then, let's get this started shall we? It is of your belief that your divisions are severely under-equipped for threats on Touli. I would like a rundown of exactly why you believe this. Starting with what equipment you currently have, as well as what potential threats you believe you face. Finally, I would like you to tell me exactly what you want from me to solve these issues for you."

Ryōshi stared a hole into the back of the inselni's skull. Her expression was muted, and quite frankly, bored. She had poor expectations for Vaiseln and had, in fact, already filled out the paperwork to have her replaced. Though she still planned to hear her out fully, if there was a significant threat to Kumosenkan territory it'd be her job to deal with it.

[StaolDerg]

Vaiseln swiftly brought out a rather sizable stack of reports to display before the Minister, presenting each statistic, number, and chart before her as she spoke. "As you command, Sentoko-Kama," she began, noting the rather unfriendly reception the spider's body language showed. "I have exactly 36 divisions under my command, including artillery, anti-aircraft and other support components and regiments included in the standard organizational structure while excluding the special regiments in command of the Queen. Of the rail fleet, there are twelve total armored trains, armed with all cars and additional infantry components, with the option to commandeer the civilian unarmed fleet in the case of war for transport."

She showed Ryōshi a chart of all forces, each displayed with their tactical map symbol. Bringing out a pen, she began crossing them out, one by one.

"Out of 36, only thirteen are battle-capable in any form. Six are at full strength. All other forces have been regulated to civilian support duties by the provincial government, or are acting as auxiliaries and reinforcement pools from lack of equipment to arm and dress them all in. Of the armored trains, four are in battle-ready condition to serve, the others either in storage, being cannibalized for spare parts, or requisitioned by the civilian government to help fulfill the tax quotas of this year. The result is that we are forced to juggle the remaining forces to resist insurgents, man border posts, and monitor unstable regions. We are barely able to hold- in fact, the only thing preventing territorial losses is the worse state of armed movements, whether that be internal stability or primitive weaponry. Even so, more than two military bases have been directly assaulted, and not without casualties."

The Inselni set the battle reports aside, pulling out equipment schematics and trial reports. "As for our weapons, -I am more than happy to show you the equipment itself upon our arrival at the capital- we have only one kind of sidearm and for officers only: the 1880 Type 26 revolver. Our reports and military experience has shown it to be unwieldly, inaccurate, and by far too slow firing rate. Our standard rifle, the 1896 Type 13 to 22 Murata variants, have proven their own issues in combat- the cartridge used remains a black powder propellant, in addition to the vast majority being first-generation Type 13 to 18 carbine variants, arming our troops with single-shot rifles without any form of self-contained ammunition reservoir. The standard piece of artillery is the 1883 70mm light field gun, which though preforms adequately enough in the mountainous regions, is underpowered in open warfare against hardened targets. Of these, we have no form of anti-tank weaponry, whether in munition or dedicated weapon. The 1903 Type 3 Maxim heavy machine gun remains the only dedicated automatic weapon and has proven to be both difficult to deploy and lacking in rate of fire. There are no grenades to speak of whatsoever."

Vaiseln shuffled the pages of the reports, finishing her reports on armaments. She swapped it for several photographs and service uniform descriptions, explaining, "Infantry uniforms remain woven out of canvas and cotton, with only cloth caps for headgear. Bandoliers consist of only three cases of molded leather, capable for holding up to about thirty rounds of ammunition each. Additional field gear in backpacks remain heavy and difficult to carry- many reports list Territorials simply dumping them at the first trace of combat for ease of movement."

She looked up at the minister, done with equipment. "As for threats... there is no shortage. Anti-government Greatferns and other individuals loyal to the old regime have engaged up openly in combat with our forces for years. Due to their lack of cohesion and poor equipment, we have been able to fend them off- however," she presented the Minister with a photograph detailing a whole stack of captured arms. "We have substantial evidence that they have developed networks to smuggle stolen firearms, in addition to several of their internal media suggesting that they have turned to foreign assistance to arm them. Eleria, for one, is almost certainly supporting the Greatferns, while the... FNCAE has been suggestive in its movements to suggest that another nation may be involved, due to the sudden increase in activity. If an invasion of Takpoe were to occur, the coasts would be overrun due to lack of defense and Kumosenkan's naval range and operations in the region would be lost. No taxes would reach Kumosenkan, convoys likely sunk by hostile submarines. We need new weapons, Sentoko-Kama. New equipment. Production and military development is hindered by the industrial price of taxes, sapping our ability to respond to any threat. A revitalization of the Elenrian military is necessary to begin pushing back and deescalating the issue at hand."

"My proposed resolution is thus: I request permission to establish a number, likely five arsenals to begin development and production of new arms and equipment. Takpoe would carry the full weight of the financial cost. I understand that the tax is non-negotiable- hence I only request at least schematics of more modern designs, or at the least, the ability to develop and produce our own independent of the provincial government. Additionally, I would ask that permission be allocated to construct a number of battery emplacements along the major coastal sites to protect shipping and defend against invasion."

She straightened as she concluded, awaiting the Minister's jurisdiction. 

[Sophie]

Initially, Ryōshi was only half paying attention to what the Inselni had to say. However, as they continued the minister's heart began to sink. Elenria wasn't under equipped. They weren't equipped. Their most recent equipment was almost 40 years out of date. "If word of this got back to the home islands... it would be very very bad for me." She thought to herself biting her tongue. She looked over the charts she had been handed, and even pulled out some of her own to compare. Everything matched up. They hadn't sent equipment since Ryōshi became the Minister of the Hunt. She thought of pushing the blame off onto Vaiseln, but she knew that wouldn't stick. Eventually, some bureaucrat would uncover why Vaiseln had been replaced. Her only path forward was honesty. She had dropped the ball on the Elenrian front.

It was obvious to her that Vaiseln was holding back on her requests. This situation needed to be rectified immediately. Ryōshi didn't speak for the remainder of the train ride. She instead opted to compare the charts she had with the information that Vaiseln had provided to her. Everything lined up. She wasn't lying. Every word was true. The train came to a halt but the minister didn't move. She continued pouring over her charts, there had to be a mistake somewhere. She felt her stomach turn over. After a few minutes, she looked up. "Right. Let's get going. There is much to discuss and it's best done in private."

[StaolDerg]

There was a deep hiss as the train slowed to a halt, the platform outside visible through the windows. The ornate architecture of the station was most recognizable as Kesternrim, with the grandiose high ceiling and décor of the columns. The officer paid it little heed as she rose from her seat, ready to show the Kumo to the Citadel via an access point.

The Inselni bowed briefly, showing her off the train. "Of course, Sentoko-Kama. Please, follow me. I will take you to the armory- we will be alone there, with no one to disturb us."

She led the Minister to a waiting tram, armored for the Minister's comfort. The ride was far shorter, bringing them before the shadow of an old-style fortress built into the stone of the mountain. With little time to admire the Citadel, the officer led the Minister The soldiers at the doors snapped to attention, opening the doors for them, the Inselni managing to give them a brief salute as she led Ryōshi through its corridors, others in the room snapping to attention and bowing as Vaiseln and the Minister passed by.

The armory itself was a large room with weapons displayed upon its rather spartan tables, accessible by only a set of heavy gates. The guards saluted, shutting the doors behind them as they entered. Vaiseln, turned a lock on the gate, latching it shut. Racks of where additional rifles normally would be placed sat mostly empty, with rifles sitting in various states of disassembly neatly lying against a corner table. A sign above it was labeled, "Spares." The displays themselves were worn- it was quite clear that they'd been taken from active-service ranks for this sole presentation.

She turned back to the Minister and allowed her to seat herself before standing before her superior, awaiting her jury.

[Sophie]

The minister moved slowly, but her mind was racing. Elenria hadn't been on the back burner of her mind. It hadn't been on her mind at all. What else had she missed? She watched closely as she was led around, her eyes examining every Elenrian she passed. What she saw stung. The soldiers, the citizens, all of them had one of two expressions on their face: sadness, or fear. Her heart twisted in her chest. She didn't even know how to begin to unravel what she was feeling inside. She tried to shake it off but the feeling exacerbated when she saw the armory.

She stood over the table inspecting the weapons before her. They were sorry. These weapons were built before she was born. She picked up a rifle and pulled back the bolt. The bolt came off. She sighed and tried to place the bolt back into position but ultimately gave up and simply placed the weapon back on the table. She placed her head into her hands and took a few minutes to collect her thoughts. Her eyes looked up to the Inselni and laughed awkwardly. "You lied to me Api-Kas. You completely undersold how dire your situation here is. I came here expecting at the very worst for all your divisions to be fully equipped with gear from the early year of the great war. This." She gestured to the weapon that fell apart in her hands. "This is so much worse than I could have ever imagined."

She shook her head, still in disbelief of what she was seeing. "Kumosenkan has failed you, Api-Kas. I have failed you. I am ready and willing to take the blame for my failure. I ask only one favor from you. Allow me to make this right. You would be fully within your rights to report this to the Kumosenkan high command, and have me replaced. If you did I could not promise you things would get better. I know who my replacement might be, and they are not kind. If you choose to not report it I can promise you change. Those requests you made on the train were all bullshit. Tell me what, in an ideal world, you want from me to improve this situation. I will do everything in my power to make this right."

Ryōshi stared at the Inselni who potentially held the fate of her future in her hands. Her expression conveyed the seriousness of her tone well. She was still standing, slightly towering over Vaiseln. Her forelegs were tapping on the ground nervously.

[StaolDerg]

Vaiseln was taken aback by the Minister's reaction, briefly stammering as she tried to gather herself to respond. Never in her memory had she remembered an apology by a Kumo to an Elenrian, much less her and from such a high-ranking government officer. She swallowed, take a deep breath before straightening and organizing herself. This was not an opportunity to waste. "As you wish, Sentoko-Kama."

The Inselni folded her hands over her skirt, the light catching the fine glow of polished ceremonial armor. "With all barriers of formality removed and practicality fully embraced, this is the most ideal resolution for the issue at hand: we need modern weapons systems- and quickly. To begin, we would need about eight, if not more arsenals to begin proper production of existing weapon designs. Innovation would take even longer, but I have no doubt that it will eventually happen. I would like to open technical schools and engineering industries to military careers, encouraging those with talent and knowledge on the operation of machinery to work in the proposed arsenals to both bolster new weapons and introduce an early mobilization. To buffer our existing stockpile, I would like to request any outdated weaponry available in the Kumo stockpile to be transferred over, notably rifles and automatic weapons. It's better than nothing."

She reached for a rather thin folder, pulling out a annotated map of the coast. The major ports of the nation were easily recognizable, circled and each showing a lack of modern fortifications.

"Forts and coastal installations along the coast are desperately needed to exercise dominance in our own waters. For this, we would need metallurgies transferred to the production of coastal guns, in addition to the construction of new coastal installations. A coastal watch branch of the Navy would likely need to be established for this purpose alone. Our inland military bases themselves are based within fortresses constructed nearly hundreds of years ago, many well from the Middle or Late Pact Age. We could modernize them, but ideally new bases ought to be built to properly protect and organize local forces to properly respond to local threats, in addition to training new forces and securing the region against further threats."

"At the end however- and I am fully aware of the consequences of my statement- we cannot afford to fight with the current tax. Our manpower is severely drained by well over half to simply fulfill the labor demands and to feed our own people who cannot afford to feed themselves because of the tax. Our entire air force, though only a bunch of reconnaissance aircraft and a few fighters, are completely grounded simply because the fuel is needed elsewhere. We cannot pay the current tax and fight to hold the line at the same time. Even regular factories that could easily take up regular production burdens are completely unable to do anything of the sort because of the mandatory state of tax. Therefore, and again, I take full personal responsibility for my statement, we cannot fulfill the tax."

The Inselni's head dipped at the map, clenching her jaws. Her declaration could very well earn her a spot on the firing line, but it was the truth. And she no longer could afford to lie.