Rupturing the Bind

[StaolDerg]

Hikva grinned at the photos and mention of armored vehicles, paging through them with a single claw and almost hungry expression as he looked them over. "Some is better than none, especially when the Territorials have no anti-armor weapons to speak of. If memory serves, they have virtually no modern weapons, save ancient arms well over forty years old. Any number of armored vehicles would be deeply appreciated. Why, it'd feel like the Kumo arriving on our shores all over again." He laughed quietly, grimly, before looking up at Kondo, tilting his head in caution. "Still, I expect there is a price to this agreement, is there not?"

[aimway921]

"Of course," Kondo said, as she sat back down. "Ashigawa looks to expand it's sphere of influence. Kumosenkan, currently, is in our way. Once Kumo is pushed out of Elenria, we would like to add you to the Greater East Granuras Co-Prosperity Sphere as a Protectorate. You would have significantly more freedoms than our own colonies under such arrangements, and well... Compared to your current conditions, you will be absolutely better off. The main improvement will be that rather than you breaking your backs to better the Empire ruling over you, we shall both be working to the improvement of us both."

[StaolDerg]

The Inselni burst out laughing, a harsh sound tinged with bitterness as he cursed the world. "Naturally. It would not be the twentieth century if we did not find our sovereignty stripped away again." He leaned towards Kondo, his meeting her gaze with a plain expression. "Fine. If this is the cost to reclaim the Elenria, then it is one I am willing to pay- but know that my kin may not hold the same opinion. Words are, and have always been clay: molded and shaped to fit an endearing perspective. No matter what you can offer, there are those among my number who would do anything than be under the dominance of another nation, regardless of form."

[aimway921]

"I believe you misunderstood me," Kondo said, who's gaze was as plain as Hikva's expression. "You shall not be a colony anymore, but a protectorate. You will have your own government, your own laws. You will be a sovereign nation in all it's sense. You will, however, be bound internationally as an ally to us, Rombarda and Nevarra under the existing GEGCPS terms as a partial signatory, with potential to be elevated to the status of a full signatory."

[StaolDerg]

The Inselni shook his head, gripping the edge of the table. "I can only hope that it is true. That Elenria would not be sought to be under shackles again is unthinkable to some, when all of Touli has been overrun by colonizers of one form or another for this long. I accept this proposal, if only hinging on promises and hopes of one day restoring our old state, if only because I have little other option to acquire arms. We will take what we can get." 

He peered back at Kondo, his expression back to the distant half-smile. "But I digress. When can we expect a shipment of equipment and munitions?"

[aimway921]

"Posthaste," Kondo said. "As of now we know not of Kumosenkan's plans, so the sooner we secure a high ground for you, the better." As she was saying that, Kondo stood up and walked over to the door. "There is one more thing."

Kondo opened the door slightly and barked a command in Ashigawan into the corridor, before returning to the table. Less than a minute later, the door opened, and in came an Odaru woman who seemed to be as young as Kondo herself. She was wearing a dress uniform of an Army officer, and carried a sword at her side.

"This is Yarakawa Shizuka-Taisa." The lady that came in bowed lowly, but stayed silent. "She will be sent as an advisor and adjutant. It will take a while for your troops to adjust to the tactics of the technological leap you'd experience with these weapons. She will help you along, as well as bring our nations closer together. She may look young for her age, but she is, in fact, a weathered veteran. She had fought in Koi during Great War. You, Aporiat-San, I must ask to include her in your expedition. She shall travel to Elenria under a fake name and history. And while we are assembling the shipment and you travel with it to your homeland, you must teach her in your ways and customs. It is imperative that Ashigawa's involvement, for now, remains hidden. This way, even if she is captured, or found dead by the enemy, she will maintain her cover."

[StaolDerg]

The Expeditions members looked at the colonel expectantly as Hikva eyed her, nodding in acknowledgement. "Very well. It will take time, but eventually with patience we can pass along as one of us." 

He understood that he defied tradition in this manner- Expeditions only took upon new members if they were personal friendships or relationships that were mutually agreed upon. But this was to free the homeland, he reasoned. Any enemy of Kumo is a good friend to me. He caught the eye of of of his members out of the corner of his eye. No doubt they'd have words with him, but he was confident in his decision. 

"She will need to be marked," the Inselni commented, looking at her uniform. "I will figure out something tradition to wear to fit in before we return to the Elenria. I will ask Epris to procure a ceremonial blade for her."

[aimway921]

"I am looking forward to working with you," the Colonel said, as she bowed at an almost 45 degree angle, showing respect.

"In that sense," Kondo continued, "I shall refer you to the Kempeitai headquarters. As you may imagine, they are much more than just a police force. Their specially trained tailors will be able to make any traditional dress, if you give them the needed specifications. As for a ceremonial sword... We could commission a blacksmith, if you wish, or we can employ the Kempeitai to scour the relevant markets for an existing one. I will have to beg your pardon on this one thing though - what did you mean when you said she will have to be marked?"

[StaolDerg]

The Inselni brushed a claw against the streaks of grey on his face that branched from his neck across his jawline. "Marks are symbols of affiliation in our culture. They show what family one belongs to, and often their accomplishments. For Expeditions, foreign members who join are typically given a basic design up to their own choice, which makes them... less suspicious to the Elenrian authorities as to her nation of origin and service, let's put it like that. While the offer to fabricate clothing and a ceremonial blade is appreciated, it is better that I adhere to tradition and produce both myself. The border security are nothing if not thorough in experience. It would not be impossible for them to detect a discrepancy."

He turned to the Colonel addressing her with a tilt of his head. "We can discuss the details for personal preference later. In any case, I feel that we should make ready to return to the Elenria. Every week wasted is another bloody skirmish where we lose valuable supplies fending off Greatferns and Territorials."

[aimway921]

"In that case," Kondo said, "we can provide you with all the tools and materials you need."

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

Several days have passed since the meeting. Yarakawa and Hikva got the time to know each other a bit, and for everything else to be prepared. On the 4th day, there was a knock on the front door to the house - Yarakawa invited the expedition to stay at her place.
"Taisa-Sama," the messenger said, "the ships are loaded. We're ready to depart for Elenria."

[StaolDerg]

The Inselni nodded. "Very well, then. Please inform Kondo-Sama that we will make the trip back to Elenria by commercial means- leave a false paper trail for the Loyalists to chase."

He turned back, addressing the Colonel with a nod. "Thank you for hosting us, Colonel. Your grasp of the Elenrian language may still need work, so let me do the talking as the Expedition leader when we arrive. I hope you remember your background?"

[aimway921]

"Yes," Yakazawa said. "My name is Kapri Aporiat. I'm 22 years old, and I'm your adopted daughter. My mother was already pregnant with me when she joined your expedition, but she died in childbirth. Real father is unknown. I have been with your expedition my whole life."

[StaolDerg]

"Very good. I've been gone on Expedition for well over forty years, so it's well within reason that your backstory will hold up with any acquaintances. The mark on your face may feel... uncomfortable for some time, but you'll acclimate. The pigment will hold up against water, and cleaners, so imagine its simply part of your skin. As for your dress, the slits along the belt will allow you to mount pouches for various storage. Feel free to change it as you like for whatever you need to carry. Remember to swap out the blank shoulder piece with one with a Takpoe insignia. Any questions?"

[aimway921]

Kapri would as several more technical questions regarding how her behavior should be to correspond with Elenrian customs and traditions. She'd talk as much as she could with Hikva in Elenrian in order to practice the language. She also made sure to become acquainted with the rest of the Expedition members.

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

Finally, as everything was ready, they have boarded the transport ship. With the neutral Koian flag, they have set sail Eastward, bound for Elenria.