[Wochourhiel - Union of South Touli] An Opportune Moment

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A messenger is dispatched from the Governor's office in New Columbia, a single courier accompanied by a contingent of guards first by rail, then by horse from the town of West Chester south into the town of Abad. The guards would remain at the dispatching fort, in communication with the Governor's office that the courier was well on his way. Upon reaching Abad, he would search for the local guard, scarce as the soldiers have moved northwestward, to then be escorted to the capital of the Union of South Touli. Upon safe arrival, he would deliver the missive and await the reply, as instructed.

To the Esteemed Baraka Okeena,

I hope this letter finds you in good health, amidst the Northern War and Southern Troubles. We believe it to be in your best interests, at this moment in time, to agree to our previous terms and cede the territory of Merdok, comprised of the towns and cities of Abad, Merdok, Kraslina, and Donoy, but not limited to such settlements. We expect a communication within five days, a day to deliberate and four to release the messenger we send with a reply, otherwise we shall assume you have rejected out proposal; though we can both doubt it will take a two day's worth of deliberation to come to the obvious, best-interest conclusion.

Failure to comply, and you shall be lucky to have a state to call home.

You and your human brothers are more than welcome to repent before the Autarch and Our Lord regardless whichever path you choose to take.

Sincerely,

Governor of the Autarch for the Administrative Region of Wochourhiel
Rutherford B. Hawkins

[Greywall]

The Oligarchs were all huddled around in Okeena's office, a sense of dread had long settled in. "What are our options with this crap?" Okeena asked, a few grumbled, "Taronki's main force is in the North and we're able to field another 500,000 men but this is Galra we're talking about. They'll be in Noscovo within the summer." Okeena's sunken eyes glared at the oligarch who spoke up but he was right, he couldn't resist Galra but at the very least he could fight off the Frannerre and Ashinara for the more valuable land.

Rutherford B. Hawkins

We accept your terms and ask that the Imperial State agree to an Non-Aggression Pact.

President Okeena

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Upon receiving the return message, the messenger would make his way back to New Columbia. Reading the letter left a smile on the Governor's face. Hawkins later replied with the following message and a different errand runner:

Okeena,

While I do not have authority as of now to conduct diplomacy on the part of Galra, I shall put in an earnest effort to seek such a pact between our two territories. While I cannot formally sign any peace agreements or non-aggression pacts, I can promise you that at this time Galra does not have eyes on any more territory of the Union of South Touli.

We wish you luck in solving the current crises plaguing the nation.

Sincerely,

Governor of the Autarch for the Administrative Region of Wochourhiel
Rutherford B. Hawkins

Upon dispatch of the messenger back to the UST, the Governor would look at his assistant and simply state he would want to send a message to the homeland. He'd pen the letter, seal it in an envelope, and tell the assistant to only open it once in the telegram room. Utilizing a unique encryption to Galra, the telegram would be dispatched along the Elenria-Eleria-Amali line and avoiding the Galra-Touli line.

In the eyes of our LORD,
To the esteemed and great Autarch, his Voice, and all those the LORD deems necessary to witness such words,

Dearest compatriots in the homeland, I have come bearing great news. The Union of South Touli has agreed to cede us the land we desire: the state of Merdok. I have dispatched elements of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Armies to deal with a smooth and secure transfer. The might of the Lord's Military was not necessary, and we hope to further secure future dealings with these native inhabitants. However, as a condition, the Union of South Touli has asked for an official non-aggression pact; something of which falls outside of my purview as Governor and the position's powers, as I do not wish to anger either the LORD or the Autarch for attempting to breach such a contract. I humbly await further orders from the LORD and Autarch on such a status.

As well, the Union of South Touli is engaged in a civil war and proxy war against the Franch and Ashinaran governments. Our scouts have confirmed sightings of Franch and Ashniaran troops moving east, meaning there has been some measure of victory seen, and a large contingent of UST personnel in the final northern city in the region. While I do not wish to sway the Autarch one way or another, this information is pertinent to the security of the colony.

Your humble servant,
Rutherford B. Hawkins

As the assistant left, the Governor would assemble the a group of military leaders to lead the newly acquired territory. Of the lot there, Lt. Benjamin T. Williams, an older lieutenant who was part of the initial land grabs deeper inland, would be selected of the available commanders and sent south to join the elements of the 4th and 6th, and the majority of the 5th Army. A small guard force would be left at the 5th Army's stations, with the 7th and 8th finalizing and reinforcing within the coming months. A nice ending to a successful career for a Galran military officer.