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Post by Kira on Jul 18, 2022 13:05:18 GMT -5
The subtle tick tock of the clock is all that could be heard within the study of the Clan Chief. Row upon Row of bookshelves decorated the walls, with maps, lamp oil lights and a few potted plants bringing out the study. This was one of the most well furnished rooms in the country, if not better then many found on the continent.
And yet, within sat a descript old Mil'Noran. His scales had lost most of their color, a sort of white as snow look at him that happens to most elder Mil'Norans as they age. His eyes carried a heavy weight to them as the man sat in his chair, eased back into with his eyes half looking at the door, half focused on nothing as he mildly anticipated the end to hit him.
Sixty years he had ruled over his home, having been elected by the previous Clan Elders despite his age at the time. He like to think he did well by them, managing to bring a rather decent age of stability and progress to his people....but now he was old, and the vultures were starting to peck. Was this why they chose him, so that whoever was chosen would avoid this fate for the longest? Or was it just another one of the little games the Clans played with each other, constantly trying to get their own way despite the harm to could cause to the people as a whole?
The old one let out a sigh, even this being interrupted by the sound of his door opening and a young woman stepping in. Nils sighed to himself before putting on that oh so weary face, the face of a politician....a grumpy one, at the very least
"Woman, If I told you once, I've told you a thousand times, leave me alone. I don't need your constant pestering about these plans of yours"
Across the room and entering proper stood a well formed woman. Her attire was that of current old world fashions for someone acting as the secretary of the head of state, but her body language spoke of someone who had plans, and gave the impression that she would see them done. A light smile dressed her face as she made her way to Nil's desk, the look in her eyes anything but friendly
'And I've said it once and I'll say it again, these "plans of mine" are just what we need to do. They have everything we need of we are to defend ourselves these days. I've already gotten reports of something going on in the Union, and who knows what they will plan for us once distractions stop being played to our advantage. We fought and built this home for ourselves, so in the interest of keeping it for ourselves, why not decide what we give away and to who. Besides, from my reports there's plenty we can offer on a more mutual plan to them then just being an invasion target.
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Post by Kira on Jul 18, 2022 13:37:47 GMT -5
"You say that my dear, but these plans of yours would see us practically give away our lands for nothing more then a few pennies in return. This is hardly a fair deal for us after all."
'Maybe so, but the entire point of it is to get the old world to dump money into us after all. We can't compete with them on any real level, so we need to ensure we don't just lookin like another tasty target. Getting them to get what they want out of us while we also get something in return is the best chance we have towards a stable future.
The elder sighed, a clawed hand coming to rest on his forehead a moment before he spoke again
"Little one, you ambitions have gone left unchecked, and will more likely be the end of yourself before you reach whatever goal it is you seek. You seek power, so you'll go against what your mother wished for and what the Clans say can happen, and put yourself directly under me. Then you try to get foreign alliances to deal with those from the Clans you....dislike. And then in the search for power, you seek to expedite my own embrace with the Golden One. I fear for both you and our home, Little One, if you keep this type of attitude up"
The girl gave a smirk in return before speaking again, her tone still just as casual before
'You just don't understand how things work these days father. Regardless, I can trust you to make this work with the other Clans, yes? Meiyo will probably give us the biggest of issues, but I don't imagine Gruvar having any real complaints'
Nils leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes in defeat as it was clear his message wasn't going to get through anytime soon, per usual
"Yes, I'll handle it, Kathrine. For a daughter of mine, you do know how to get your way despite the issues at hand. I'm not happy about this, but better you then whatever the other two will chose as my replacement"
The girl gave a nod a rose from her seat, turning to leave before looking back to shoot the head of state a smile
'To your ever lasting health, father. May He guide you with the light of the brightest gems'
She'd leave soon after, leaving more work for a tired old man who found himself being carried back into a stupor by the tick tock of the clock
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Post by Kira on Aug 11, 2022 21:22:55 GMT -5
Scene: Vaylien 12th, 1931. Mil'Nor Capital of New Raltera, Clan Gruvar Noble Quarters.
Within the confines of his personal quarters, Clan Chief Dravos groaned. The older Mil'Nor was not too thrilled about the work before him. As according to the laws set by his father and the High Chief himself, his Clan was to be split the military of the nation, in particular to see to it's defense. Clan Tolvaj was to command all offensive forces, so as to keep the other two in line in according to the agreement. The only reason Meiyo did not dispute this was because they alone were granted control of the navy, in particular the civilian shipping was owned almost exclusively by those belonging to the Clan. But that is not what was drawing Dravos's ire. News had already reached the Mil'Nor of the troubles in the UST. While as far as he could see, there would be little reason for the Kithium to react towards Mil'Nor in response, it did draw his mind to certain... "conclusions".
Zedonia in particular, or rather those who ruled them and Cricon. The man knew he could not defend his people in any true hope of victory should such a fate should occur. His tutelage under the war weary veterans of the last civil war had led to Dravos understanding a good deal about the art of battle. It also did not take much to understand the firepower that the Old World held. It at least could understand why "the girl" had pushed so hard for the treaty with the UK-UG. Working with the ganglak will always be better then trying to fight them. The Fall of Elenria and the Arrival of the Elders had been proof enough of that. No, if there was anything to truly wonder about, and probably what Kathrine was preparing for was to see what Franerre and Ashinara did....and Wochourhiel he supposed. The man took a pen out, writing on the foreign notepad in hand. Before him was a map stretching the length of his study. It would be a mixed map of Touli, with a touched up portion on Mil'Nor military encampments and the like. It had been a gift bought from the Old World, given by to Nils a decade ago. It's sturdiness and specific need then what was usually demanded in Mil'Noran culture had lended great use to Dravos, allowing him to better formulate plans and defenses for the nation. Where it would normally be give only it's capital city due to general considered insignificance, Dravos's own mapmakers had done the detailing on Mil'Nor intel, both public and military.
The reactions of the other nations of Touli, and their potential overseas overlords needed to be considered. Another groan was let loose as the man turned to the small table by the map holding an very large amount of liquer. There, an already half downed bottle sat, the Mil'Noran's hands taking a moment to grab hold of it before he'd bring it to his mouth. This was indeed the best of times for both his blood brother and the man's daughter to be unavailable to him. He knew he could get Nils if he tried, but when the man went on retreat these days...bringing him anything other then full on revolt or invasion was not a good idea. Along with that, the girl was particularly useful at keep that bastard Talamore at bay. He didn't know why, but Talamore seemed to dislike her in the extreme. Dravos knew that it was odd to let a woman hold such power, but even if she was a bitch, she at least did a good job at what she did.
"And that's the fucking problem" The Clan Chief thought to himself. Talamore would be particularly happy to see about putting Gruvar to shame and win Meiyo the approval of both Falgyr and Nils. He would probably even use his own daughter to get himself into power. Nils had already talked with Dravos about letting the girl inherit, and so to include Talamore's daughter wouldn't be too hard of a swing. From there he'd just need to slap an adopted suiter onto her, and he gets his grandson. Talamore wasn't stupid enough to do anything in the open.
.
.
.
"But he would sell his own mother to get himself the crown."
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Post by Kira on Aug 20, 2022 10:47:03 GMT -5
Scene: Vaylien 18th, 1931. Study of Nils Tolvaj within Castle Tolvaj.
Seated at his desk, High Chief Nils looked over a copy of the recent document signed by Chief Dravos. He was alone for the time being, having sent a summons to Meiyo to discuss the matter privately. His blood brother had gone too far this time, even if the deal was by all account acceptable by the High Chief's standards. All that could be done now was mitigation of Meiyo's rage about being once again left behind when matters of state arose. Nils pondered the situation at hand as he placed the treaty down, leaning back into his chair as his mind wandered.
Something would have to be given to the Chief to shut him up, even if it was at the end of the day more performative in nature. Always one to be more concerned about bragging about his virtue and accomplishments then getting things done, that Talamore. The High chief's gaze shifted towards one of the windows of the room, the view of the harbor clear as day as ships went about the process of the day's trades. Docked at port were the three icebreakers he had commissioned Meiyo to develop. While the vessels were nothing compared to the true steel navies held by the nations of the old world, and with how much ocean bound trade Mil'Nor had been managing to secure, a stronger navy would be needed to defend those interests.
His thoughts however were cut short as Talamore practically burst down the door to the study, the Clan Chief seeming quite openly displeased at the summons as he approached the desk.
"First you send me some peasant loving ganglank in the claiming to be a 'diplomat', and then while I'm trying to show him a good time you summon for my return to your feet, Tolvaj. Where in the name of the Allfather do you want me, hm? Cleaning up your mess again as you invite more and more of these foreigners to our lands?! By the grace of the Allfather, the ancestors did not build our home just for you to sell it off to the Ganglank one piece at a time!"
Talamore seemed to be building off his own rage, the man having broken all decorum for once as he slammed his hands down on the desk, his eyes seeming to try and burn holes into Nils own as the elder responded
"I summoned you to inform you of new responsibilities being given, Talamore. Your dislike of the Ganglank has been always noted, and I do not forget the teachings of our own Elders, lest you forget what I have seen with my own eyes over the years. As you are probably more then aware, we offer little in the way of protection to our people on the high seas, and I want you to fix that. I'm freeing up several thousand units of gold in order to pay for the measures, but you and your Clan are to begin work on a fleet that could even give those Ganglank a moment of pause, let alone the rest of those that live here on Touli. I'll be taking over your current task for the time being. I expect the first rough drafts of the new vessels on my desk by the end of the month"
The High Chief and Clan Chief locked gazes for a long moment, the elder's command resting for a few seconds Talamore spoke again.
"...I want at least twenty thousand units to start with"
"Ten, along with the help from my aide"
"The woman? No, fifteen and we can get it done"
"Twelve and not a ducat more, Talamore."
The Clan Chief eyed the High Chief, the younger man rolling the price around in his head before speaking again, his anger replaced with a coy smile.
"As you wish, High Chief. As Chief of Meiyo, and on my word as Talamore Arcus, you'll get your fleet. More will have to be requested later, as I'm sure you are aware."
"As always, you have my blessing, Meiyo. Do the Allfather proud."
The air never dropped the tension that Meiyo had filled it with, both Clan leaders practically holding their breath throughout the conversation. Only when Talamore turned to the door and made his way out of the study as quickly as he had arrived did the High Chief let out a sigh, the man nearly collapsing back into his chair. His gaze turned to the grandfather clock, the soft tick tock still ringing in time.
"I just hope I'll have enough time to see this through."
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Post by Kira on Aug 20, 2022 15:16:47 GMT -5
Scene: 3rd of Bellien, 1931. Study of Nils Tolvaj within Castle Tolvaj.
Kathrine considered the world map before her, the woman eyeing her homeland in particular as she considered the changes that had occurred over the past several months. Trade had been started with several old world powers, allowing the nation to begin the process of trying to reach to their heights of progress. The results had been good thus far, with the increase of jobs and trade working it's initial way into the economy. Despite the lower charge on goods, the influx of value from foreign coin along with the projects being funded through the proceeds started to show the hiccups of Mil'Nor society handling the changes. Clan Tolvaj was happy enough, their own pockets being fattened or with work finally being available those who found no other option. Clan Gruvar was unbothered so far, although with the next wave of railroading she had planned, things might get a bit more difficult. Bringing out the final of the three Clans, and what was causing the most issue was Meiyo. Clinging to the Old Ways, the woman knew she'd have to deal with Talamore directly. The daughter could be of use in that, she had been pleasant enough in the few times Kath had interacted with her....but with the Chief's second born child, Quile Arcus, it practically set in stone that the Meiyo council of elders would elect him instead of the girl.
The fact the boy had shown some...'particular' views about the other clans had not been the most encouraging of things. Throw in the fact that news had reached her of some sort of Wochouriel action was taken in Galra's name in the UST war, along with Gruvar signing away Mil'Nor neutrality through the Ashinarans, and there was a full scale mess going on around her homeland.
"Problems at home and abroad, fucking wonderful." Kath said. She was alone in the study, often using her father's office as her own. The one he had given her, while not bad, was more of a servants quarters converted aide's bedroom then anything else. She could not do the work that was needed in such a place, and it wasn't like anyone would question the High Chief's personal aide working alone in the man's study. The only problem that had caused were the rumors that she was his consort, since publicly, the line of Tolvaj's last member wore the crown of High Chief. Her being so openly respected by the High Chief had led to ideas about what they did when no one was watching, something they both would punish the offenders who spoke of such an idea, in their own way of course.
Kathrine turned her mind back to the map before her, eyeing the nations on it while she compared what she knew of each. The idea that Galra would be any kind of good for Mil'Nor was practically an closed question. She'd keep an eye on them, but with how they were, the Galrans would take the nation by force for the fun of it. The lands of the south were an unknown for the most part about their own interests, but with the diplomatic meeting she had undertaken almost a year ago, relations were at the least set down on paper. The strange Ashinaran and Franerre Alliance that she had been told about by Gruvar had confused the woman, as the limited room left on Touli meant that major war would be the only way to push for land. They had spoken of mutual cooperation between each other, but given the interests of the Old World still present on Touli, she found little reason to choose those who were so far away and yet still not as powerful as the few closer Old World nations. The rail line with the UKUG had been an excellent reason to cultivate a relationship with the far away land, along with the fact their own colonies border Mil'Nor.
Her lonesome was broken when the footsteps of another were heard entering the room. The aide turned, wondering who it could be now as she eyed the doorway. Entering the room was Sorva, the young scholar who she had hand picked as her own assistant. The boy had come from the university located within New Raltera, one of the only three within the entire nation. The other two were homed in the 'capital' cities of Clan Gruvar and Clan Meiyo respectively, which had naturally caused teaching and thought to disperse along more clan based lines. Luckily for Kath, Sorva had been able to avoid Tolvaj's own bias to a degree, allowing the woman to use him as a idea bouncer....it also helped that she could get him thrown away without a care should he decide to speak a bit too much for his own good. The fact he had come here of his own accord was surprise in of itself, the young man usually taking advantage of his own unrestricted access to the Clans archives then associating with Kathrine by choice.
"Apologies, my lady, but one of the Elders suggested I check in on my teacher's wellbeing. Elder Tzu in particular was concerned about you missing your bi monthly chess game with him. The Elder said that it was um...'unlike you' to miss that." The young man stood straight, even if his words carried a sense of uncertainty. His gaze however looked pass the woman towards the map, as if out of respect he averted his gaze upon the woman. It was something she had been trying to get him to stop, in all honesty, but she didn't blame the boy running along his training first.
"Don't worry about Elder Tzu, and don't worry about me...infact, come over here, I have a question for you"
The lad followed his mentor's words, a slight bow given before he moved to stand a few feet beside her, the woman continuing afterwards.
"Knowing what I've told you and what you've studied these past few months, what do you think our next move shall be?"
Sorva considered her question, looking over the map along with the few notes posted around it. It was out of date by a few years at least, and the changes within the UST were being noted as they were confirmed, along with separate notes about rumors and unconfirmed reports as well. The Mil'Nor gave a nod as he found an answer after several long moments.
"We focus on ourselves, right? As Elder Tzu says, we must be strong where we seem weak, and be able to hide under the cover of strength when we may not be as strong as we will...or something like that I think, my lady"
The woman nodded, the faintest of smiles on her face as she turned back and gestured towards the map.
"That is correct" she said "So, we will buy from who we can to enrich ourselves for the conflicts we face both here and abroad. Unless the Elder's requested your return, I'd like you to accompany me while I go meet with the UKUG diplomat. It will be a good learning experience for you, if nothing else"
With that she start on her way towards the door, her student following on as his own mind raced about the man he was to meet, even if it was as an observer.
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Post by Kira on Aug 24, 2022 0:09:13 GMT -5
Scene: 29th of Bellian. Estate of Clan Meiyo
"Curse the name of Tolvaj. Curse the Name of Gruvar. May the flames of our ancestors bring Light to our Clan in these darkest of times"
Talamore Arcus was seated within his personal shrine to the Allfather, located within his estate. Word had reached him of the trade deal between Gruvar and Ashinara. This, along with the deals made by Tolvaj as well could only mean one thing to the Chief of Meiyo. 'The darkness has settled on their minds' the Mil'Nor thought to himself. It could only stand that the allure of the Void had claimed the minds of the two Clans. 'To work with the Ganglank, of all things? To let that...thing dictate to him like he was some fucking comman man??' No, he could not, would not allow such a thing to continue. The man's brow only furrowed before he'd break his mediative stance, rising from the floor of the small shrine as he headed off to do something about the problems before him. If they would not listen to His reason, he would be the one to make them.
Several Hours Later...
Talk had been done, with both admirals, officials and clerks. A house keeping of the Clans reserves in all manners of Mil'Nor power. The Chief had found that while some connections had fallen, there were many of those who still remained within his father's 'black book'. Meiyo, having been the actual transgressor of the last great civil war that struck Mil'Nor, had managed to use the distraction of war itself to obscure the original fault. The reasons had been petty, the spark forgotten in the bloodshed...but those who would serve again had not been lost, nor those found reason to support Talamore in more...forceful actions.
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Post by Kira on Oct 27, 2022 2:54:01 GMT -5
Obsillia 8th, 1932
New Raltera, Republic of Valdera
Castle Tolvaj, Office of the Deacon
The scribbling of pen and the subtle ticking of a grandfather clock filled the air. Kathrine was once more busy with paperwork concerning the Xagreau Crisis, along with the call to arms from the Kith. The orders for the relief force mobilization had already been sent, and the first reinforcements were taking position with General Tyrann. Her current work was of a much more groundbreaking area, In fact it had left the ground entirely. With donation from the UKUG, the first Valderan pilots were to earn their wings. It was in some sense to be a historic moment for the Republic, and as the woman sat within the former office of the High Chief, she'd let out a small sigh.
Her gaze turned to the room around her, mind still lost on the Talamore Crisis. She'd try to forget her work, if only for a moment. Her plans had been launched far too rapidly now, and the stress from both that and her father's death only compounded things. Meetings had turned into full grown arguments with Council members. Demands made, promises to keep, orders to be followed through on. Clan Meyo had been purged, most of family Arcus either being stripped of nearly all rights and outcast, or found dead in a ditch with the "aid" of their servants. Of their government seized assets, a good deal of it was either placed in the hands of the few selected loyal Clanmates from Meyio to sit on the government, or sold off to the highest bidder on private markets. Balancing the few standing political blocs left had been headache for the woman, which her only reliable action to respond with was to lean back in her chair, pinch her nose and count to ten.
Which would turn only be broken halfway as the doors to the office were nearly burst open, a more physically built Mil'Nor official barging his way in. "You requested my council, Lady Mengele? What can the great Teddy Tailstrong do for you?" The man's smile was beaming as he entered the room, Kathrine barely managing to regain her composure as she gave a nod and returned to her usual brickwall demeanor. "First I'd ask you to knock first before entering but I doubt you'd care to do so anyway, Commodore. I called you here to discuss that aeroplane idea you had mentioned before. It's the op-"
The man hollered without care for his interruption "Waaaaaahooo! I fuckin told that slagface Tyrann it was a good idea. It'll take us at least ten years to get something going, but I'm sure if we take one of the ganglank trunk engines, I can work something out that will work" If before he had given the impression of a man brandishing his ego, it had now been replaced with one of ambition and excitement.
Kathrine gave the man narrowed look as she spoke up "You won't need to work out those details right now, do it on your own time. I have forty planes from the UKUG, and you are our foremost expert of aeronautics. Organize something we can use in the north, get it to do something of merit, and I'll secure the funding for a proper home built plane under your name."
The man had frozen solid, mouth agape in pure shock at the offer he had just been given, unprompted. If one listened closing, they might have heard the man's soul being sold as he broke out of his stupor.
"It will be done! I'll have to talk to my people at LightSource, but with their help I'm more then confident we can make a fighter that'll beat them all! Just imagine the possibilities we can ach-" His words were cut short by Kathrine rising from her seat, shaking a finger at the man as she spoke
"Not so fast, Commodore! You are to get me a working airforce first, then supply us the planes. Focus on the training of your pilots before you get your special planes, officer Tailstrong." Anger hinted her voice, the woman slowly sitting back down as Tailstrong seemed to come to his senses. The man tried to pass a cough before speaking "Uh, right, of course Deacon Mengele. Unless there is anything else, I'll see right to it"
The woman gave a wave of her hand, dismissing the man to leave before being alone once more. Giving it a few moments thought, Kathrine would start on a new order to be sent out
General Tyrann.
Special Recruitment. Commodore Tailstrong's Regards. Comply
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Report Newest Findings.
Continue Construction.
No Step Back.
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Post by Kira on Nov 19, 2022 22:27:48 GMT -5
Spring/Fall 1932
Office of the Deacon, New Raltera
War had come to Valdera. Seated at her desk, Kathrine was once again stuck with a mountain of paperwork. With the attack of the Xagreau, every piece of aid that could be bought needed to be seen to. Further meetings were to take place with the Bear, the Spider and the Stag, along with the arrangements for Kithium involvement in the war. As Kathrine looked over an officer report from Harrowsburrow, her aide Sorva entered the room. He seemed a bit more panicked then usual, the younger Mil'Nor nearly rushing to his tutor with notes in hand.
"Ma'am, The Council has relented to the rates you proposed for the war taxes. They don't seem quite happy about it though."
The woman dropped her report as he approached, swiping the notes from the aide with a scowl
"They'll have to learn to deal with it. Easiest way for us to wipe out opposition and get more funds into our hands is to raise taxes on the nobles. A solid thirty percent match with the merchants will give us what we need in the short term to get things paid off. In the meantime, have you readied your ship? I've had the letter ready for your departure for three days now" She'd motion towards the letter seated on the side of her paper filled desk. Sorva gave a nod, picking up the letter quickly as he spoke. "Apologies, Ma'am. I wasn't sure if you still needed me here."
The woman scoffed, a tone of indignation in her voice
"I can handle my self, boy. You just make sure you don't disappoint with the Dirian's. Their advancements into oil production will be of great importance for us in the coming years." She'd look over the notes, her scowl lightening as she read Sorva's report about the limited conscription vote. News of the war had already been springing up in the papers, and thus it was vital that measures be taken to assure the people. The enactment of a limited conscription would give the dual aide of employing many of those drifting between towns and villages, and giving bodies to help defend against the Xagreau.
"Remember, keep your mouth shut and talk only about the essentials. I'm trusting you with this, now get it done."
The lad gave a quick nod and quickly departed to see to his duties after Kathrine spoke, the woman returning to her duties to handle another mess of a matter.
Valdera raises taxes on Corporate and Upper Class Holdings to 30%
Valdera Enacts Limited Conscription
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Post by Kira on Dec 28, 2022 19:37:43 GMT -5
~
Kathrine sat within her father's former office once more, head propped up on the desk as she mulled over her plans. Her gaze went fell on the golobe set aside on the desk, an idle hand giving it a twirl as the Deacon spoke to herself.
"The Stag is away, and the Spider wants to play. The Zealot takes his puppets, while the Bear strikes a deal." The news from the UST war hadn't been the greatest, given Torres's report. Between the interference of the Kumo in the peace conference and confirmation of the 'Coalition's existence, there was a great deal to replan for the next year.
Letters for new construction had already been sent out, with new roads and civilian industry to be constructed using the Kumo's construction factories. The Valderan's own were to be used for building several dozen mines to help feed the growing demand for coal. Several trade deals were cut to handle the shortage as well, with a total of thirty thousand units of coal and a two thousand units of ores being bought back into the government's stockpiles a season. On the war front, preparations were being made for further use of the nations manpower. Conscripts were trainined for spring operations, while Kathrine had ordered for the inital drafts of a peace deal to be made for the Xagreau. The nation had far outlived it's need for existence as far as the Deacon was concerned, with the territory to be split between the three bordering nations involved.
As she shifted the globe once more, Kathrine's eyes fell onto Neverra, specifically the supposed location of her people's homeland. She had sent her protégée there to try and establish a dialogue with those left behind, and now she wondered about the wisdom of that choice. Those she had sent to watch the boy's departure reported back the girl's addition to his journey, leaving the Deacon the headache that was the girl's father when he found out. She had faith Sorva would be up to the challenge, but the girl would undoubtfully delay the man.
~
To be constructed over the next year:
-Road infrastructure and Construction Factories over the next year using 1000 Kumo Cons
-Mines using 50 Cons
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Post by Kira on Feb 26, 2023 10:24:27 GMT -5
Summer would bring a plethora of new problems and opportunities for the new Republic. While it had maintained fair trade and ample deals with all nations willing, the conflict between the powers above had not gone unnoticed by it's leaders. A private session of the Frozen Council had been called with both High Marshal and Deacon in attendance. For three hours there were debates about further relationships and disgruntlement about prior deals. Outright cutting ties with the Kumo were killed right out the gates, as their ties into the economy had already been too far gone. A few councilors had even suggested instead allying with the Kumo, which had only been met with angry yelling from those from the military. The Xagreau war had been a showcase of the benign aid the UKUG could offer, and the easy devastation see pushed against the Mil'Nor.
~
"Cooperation with them cannot be refuted! The greatest threat to our nation will be those who control the sea, and the Spider has been more than helpful" Field Capitan Torres slammed his balled fist against the meeting room table, with those aside him backing into their chairs. Across from him sat Field Marshal Tyrann, who could only give the Captain a sour look as he took a drag of his cigar. "May I remind this council that the beasts are little more than clever Taratect's? I would not be surprised if they were little more then horrific offshoots of the things with what they did to fair Elenria." Murmurs of agreement were given between the council, the glare between the two rival commands clear to many of those in attendance.
~
“Our ability to fight them is next to nothing, Field Marshal, and the shipyards provided by them thus far can prove to remain a substantial asset” Deacon Tolvaj interjected, the woman having sat idly at the table as the others had bickered. Taking a sip of the UKUG coffee that had become her daily sin, the woman continued. “Captain Torres will be sent to Kumosenkan to see about a special submarine project, while the Field Marshal is to experiment and discuss armor improvements with Pomazanniki.” Kathrine said. “The Black Guard is to be expanded, with funds set aside for operations aboard. The secrets of the world can be bought and sold like anything else, and who knows what the ganglanks are willing to pay.”
~
From his own seat, Dravos gave a sigh as he straightened himself out. The elder Mil’Nor, while still respected by those who remained in the government, had already begun to show the wear and tear of his years.”You offer us a dangerous game, Deacon. Should any of the great powers learn of our treachery, the repercussions will strike tenfold what they could have been.” Only a few open disagreements were heard around the table, with more eyes exchanging glances than anything else. “What would you propose instead, High Marshal?” A senior officer from the army asked. “Caution, if nothing else, but turning our eyes homeward is more important. A meeting between ourselves, the Kith and the ‘Pocket’ should be held to discuss further economic and military ties. The Stag and it’s wayward Child have shown their aggression for centuries, leaving them little choice for ‘friends’,”
~
“I find little issue with that, High Marshal. Couriers will be sent for this summit to be held, along with those plans pushed forth today to be drafted for law. Does this Council protest?” Kathrine announced, the Deacon giving a quick look around the table as she was met with looks of either resignation or approval. “This meeting is adjourned then. Allfather guide you and return to your duties.”
~
Over the next several weeks, members of the Black Guard were to undergo espionage training. Maps were purchased off the global market for regional training, while foreign language tutoring was held by a few Inselni exiles serving the Black Guard itself. These agents were to be placed among merchant groups, joint military operations and outbound diplomatic missions. The embassies within the Valdera would also be targeted, with home operatives mingling between those Mil’Nor in employ to the foreigners.
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