The Lord Consuls Chamber, Capitol city, R'ha-Jhib. 3:56pm.
"...And what do you suppose we do Lord Consul?" Said a bald and heavily bearded man dressed in a brown robe.
"We should do nothing but wait...we wait and watch, but do not think me a coward Dregas, I am just approaching this matter...cautiously." Replied Consul. The Consul wore a gold circlet that rested on his brow and a robe with a necklace of a triangular shaped blue rock with a blue sash tied around his waist. In Calmidian culture, blue was the sign of wisdom and seniority.
"But we are ready, Everyone is ready! We can act now while we have the chance. Are you that sure you can convince them?", Dregas said, "You know what Ba'leigh told the machine! He ruined our first phase of plans."
Ba'leigh was the junior maintenance officer present at the time of Strategos brow raising question. His response to her was 'The only place you'll be accepted into is the garbage patch'.
"I'd advise you to watch your tone when speaking to me Dregas." Consul said. "As for the first phase it can't be fixed now, so worrying about it will not make it better. But..."
"But?"
"If phase two works as planned then maybe, maybe, we can still pull this off, but with the current lack of interest from the Directive we can do nothing, but, guess what?"
Dregas seemed to be drooling with anticipation, the Lord Consul noticed before continuing.
"Wait."
"So...I guess we really don't have a choice then..."
"So it seems." Consul said starkly
"What about Almius? Surely he can do something, him being it's creator, right?" Said Dregas
"Almius is in his fourth cycle, his heart could give out any day as with any Calmidian on this planet, so he is too busy being monitored and tested at the hospital so he does not die unknowingly." Consul replied.
Calmidians, although intelligent, had very few but severe drawbacks, usually occurring around their late third or early fifth cycle. Calmidians have a unique gene that, like some jellyfish of Earth, enable them to "Renew" their cells, but are only limited to doing this five times, but living five cycles is a rarity for even the healthiest Calmidian, and with each time they renew their cells they are even more susceptible to diseases as their immune systems begin to decay. Among the other worries is the weak hearts that they possess as they grow older and Falters syndrome, a disease that causes paranoia or insomnia. Falters syndrome can be delayed but not entirely cured.
"I'm saddened to end this conversation Dregas, but I must speak with the Tusscark concerning the recent O'rael and La'Basan alliance and our course of action." spoke the Lord Consul before he walked hurriedly to the exit.
"Wait! Consul, if you fail to swoon the Council during the conference then we can always use plan 'B'."
"Plan 'B'? What in the great Hellios is that? What are we? Children now Dregas?"
"Oh, plan 'B' is the bombing of a very populated and renowned city in O'rael..."
"Melidi city..."
"Precisely, a group of R'ha-Jhibian commandos plant a chemical bomb in Melidi, and...Boom! Brilliant isn't it?" Dregas said with a wicked smile, "So i'll be watching your little gathering with the Council, and if I feel or see that you are unable to convince th-"
"You'll blow the city up, I get it Dregas." Consul said curtly before continuing out the room.
"Very well, Solum victus, Lord Consul."
"Solum victus..." Illanthros help us all...
The Tusscarks Grand Chamber, R'ha-Jhib. 4:10pm
The Lord Consul was walking briskly to Tusscark Talris' Conference Chamber, his excitement radiating off of him like a beacon in the sea. The Lord Consul was going to appear before the Tusscark and the Council to convince them to go to war with the O'rael-La'Bas alliance not just for fun but for money...And by the orders of the Directive. Apparently the Directive felt so threatened by this new alliance that they felt it necessary to quell it before it grew into a problem. Whether it be by getting the Council to act first, or the La'Bassin Nation.
The position of Lord Consul meant that all money from taxes, tariffs, imports, exports and government manufacturing was regulated and monitered by him, and the more money made, was more money to line his pockets without raising too much suspicion. This made the Lord Consul the wealthiest man in R'ha-Jhib. Yes, the Lord Consul wanted war, 'or should I say money' the Consul thought sinisterly.
As he was walking to the Conference Chamber the Consul saw Autarch Deseras S'ulinos speaking with Flebian General Malos D'isias , both in their standard dress uniforms of R'ha-Jhib. An ugly dark green jumpsuit with padded armor at the joints of the body. The rank of Autarch oversaw the maintenance of the entire drone force, whereas the Flebian General and Supreme Octus foresaw the organization and combat readiness of the naval, air, and ground force, but as of late the two military council members have been trying to turn R'ha-Jib around and make them a more "peaceful" nation.
Even a fool would know how the Lord Consul has a deep dislike for them both, as they are against his push for war.
"Ah, Autarch S'ulinos! Flebian General D'isias! Might I say it is an honorable coincidence meeting the two of you here!" The Consul sneered.
"Speak quickly serpent, no doubt you'll have more lies to feed the Tusscark in an attempt to have this little 'War' of yours!" The Autarchs' very tone was filled with as much venom as he could muster.
"What!? I would never on my life lie to the great Tusscark, Talris the cruel, the man who committed genocide during the old war."
The Flebian General chose this time to be heard. "Better watch your tongue snake, uttering words of that ilk could be considered treason if heard by the wrong person."
"Oh. D'isias, I didn't even notice you there!" The Consul said with feigned ignorance, "Be a dear and thank your sister for last night, she was quite the thriller. Though I'd imagined her to be a bit more...Delicate, for lack of a better word. Certainly better with her hands than your wife!"
"Why you little sh-"
"Are you children fighting over a broken toy or men under the eyes of R'ha!"
The three political heavyweights quickly spun around and saw their ruler approaching them.
"Tusscark Talris! Forgive us!" The Autarch said for the three of them.
Tusscark Talris was striding towards them flanked by two men in the dark grey armor of the Valkyries, the honorary guard of the Tusscark. "General, Autarch, you are to be dismissed to the conference chambers. Consul, you are to walk with me." Before leaving the Tusscark. D'isias shot a dirty look at the Consul, which he returned half-heartedly.
"So Talis, how is life?" Consul said before casually walking with Talris to the Tusscarks conference chamber.
"You are not to address me by that name, Consul. Might I kindly remind you that the people cry out for your removal from the position of Lord Consul?"
"Then what's stopping you, brother?"
"Don't be so smug Consul. It's only the lack of evidence we need to put you on trial. You're corrupt, we all know it, but by the law made by the old king, evidence must be found before ones persecution." Talris said before arriving at the heavy golden ornate doors of the Conference Chambers. The two Valkyries took their places on either side of the entrance.
"Listen, Fenros, don't try to incite a riot while giving your little speech." The Tusscark paused in thought before continuing,"Actually, now that i've thought about it your very presence could start a riot." Talris said as he walked away before he could allow the Consul to reply.
The conference chamber was a large and grand round grey room with the seal of R'ha -a Shield-Maiden holding an ornate blade and shield- on the domed roof and a raised podium with gold trimmings. A few feet in front of the podium was a grand throne made of grand stones for the Tusscark. The Conference Chambers held over one hundred seats, which were full of senators, wealthy business owners, and other high ranking government officials. As everyone went to their respective places the Tusscark stood a few ways from his throne and began to address the audience.
"Honorable people of R'ha-Jhib, we hold this meeting to hear Lord Consul Fenros' proposal for wa-"
"This is an outrage! We should be worrying about us, not war!" Spoke a senator, cutting off the Tusscark.
"I must ask you to speak during the appropriate times, senator Al'Badala." Talris said coolly, recognising the voice as he had numerous conflicts with him in the past involving his brother. "As I was saying, we are here today to hear the Lord Consuls Proposal for war against the La'Bassin-O'rael Alliance. As the rules for a conference hearing, all questions can be asked at any time during the presenters argument." After pausing to hear any disagreements, Talris continued. "Lord Consul, you hold the ears and eyes of R'ha."
"Thank you, my lord." The Consul said before bowing to the throne as tradition demanded. "People of R'ha-Jhib. I ask you. What is war? Is war the opportunity to exert dominance over others and to show your superiority over others? Or is war, when one side goes to fight another side, wins, and the other loses. And the loser has the chance to rebuild and attack you again, and again, and again, if you would. We need to not break their bones, and let them mend over time, but cripple them. Make sure they will never walk again! Surely the alliance between O'rael and La'Bas bothers you? They're even making first generation AIs and are close to completing their own Strategos knock-off! R'ha-Jhib is facing an economic crisis! We are close to five trillion Teals in debt! This war could very well be the economic boost we need to b-"
"You mean the economic boost your need!?" Interrupted General D'isias. "We all know you are a corrupt man, Consul! You put shame upon not only your brother, the Tusscark no less, but to your father, the great Homni the Blessed! You are a disgrace to the title of Lord Consul! Before me I see a greedy, cravenous fool who would hide behind his own fortune than fight, you decietfu-"
"I will not stand here and listen to your mouth spew such lies, General D'isias! You dare insult my honor? Insult my very character!?" Before continuing Consul pointed his right hand at General D'isias with his left hand resting over his chest in a dramatic way. "Need I remind you of the man that killed, no, MURDERED tens of millions of non-combatants at the battle at Kalrogs Crossing!? This man-"
"This man did what was necessary in order to crush the enemies morale in order to 'win'." Spoke the Autarch, defending his friends honor.
"But was it worth it?" Consul said, "Did we not, in the end, win by just occupying, not butchering or leveling, the Ar-seian cities?"
"We WON by doing the things we had to do in warfare in order to get the job done!" Raged the General, "But of course you wouldn't know seeing how you've had your head buried in your sacks of jewels and baubles! By Hellios, it'd be a miracle if you could even find your own arse with all that money shoved down your trousers!"
"You will retract your words you treasonous serpent! You are in no position to insult me as however you like!" The Consul demanded.
"Enough you two!" Talris yelled, "I am drawing this worthless conference to an end by unanimous vote, all in favor of Lord Consuls call to war raise your hands."
Almost immediately about eighty out of the one hundred hands were raised for support of neutrality. The remaining hands were marked as the one for war.
"Then as it stands, on this day. The people of R'ha-Jhib have spoken. The ears of R'ha are mines once more and I have heard what they have heard." Talris said reciting the traditional rites of closure, "As per vote of the Council, the opposing voters have been tallied at 83 against versus the 17 for. As of this day, the sixteenth of novumus, year, fourteen seventy-six, the Proposal for war by the; Lord Consul Fenros D'olkji, has been ove-"
Bursting through the doors was a young soldier who'd looked like he had just ran the triathlon carrying a military grade Data-pad.
"My Lord! Urgent news from ambassador F'loki regarding O'rael!" The young soldier said between breaths.
"Well, Speak you fool! What is it!?" Talris almost yelled.
"There has been a bombing my Lord! The ambassador sent a coded message saying that O'rael issued a report out to civilians and military personnel alike that a chemical bomb of R'ha-Jhibian make detonated in the city of Melidi!"
"H-how? What madness is this! Tell me, what is the death toll?" Talris said wearily.
"My Lord...it was a HEcb model three series..." The soldier said with sadness.
Talris knew well as everyone in the room to what that meant. The HEcb, or High Exploitation chemical bomb, was the deadliest bomb made by the R'ha-Jhib military capable of contaminating a large tracts of land. Since the chemicals were so potent and toxic, the manufacturing of such weapon was stopped and banned by the United Conference of Nations.
"My Lord, what do we do?" Spoke a senator.
"We...I...T-this conference is dismissed. I would require the presence of the Supreme Autarch and Flebian General to my observatory with the utmost haste. You boy." The Tusscark pointed to the young soldier. "Hand me the Data-pad." Talris said before receiving the Data-pad and walking away to his study. 'Sheismael preserve us...'
Capitol city Detrius, O'rael. 5:59pm.
Tusscark T'Kalui was having a real bad day. First the whole Fadesie scandal and now one of the most economically successful cities was bombed with who knows how many dead or injured. Sitting in the back of his personal aircar the late Tusscark sighed tiredly. "M'arquis, could you take me to Serendipity please?"
"Yes M'lord." Replied the driver
Tusscark T'Kalui had a lot on his mind that he'd have to deal with, and if the report on his Data-pad was correct then that meant he had to handle this carefully. The report speculated that it was the R'ha-Jhib commandos that planted and detonated the bomb, as proof by the markings on the shrapnel of the bombs shell, but he knew that to be false seeing as Talris would rather see himself hung before going to war. Even with his mysterious super AI 'Strategos'.
"How far until we arrive M'arquis?" Inquired the Tusscark.
"Naught but a little more M'lord," M'arquis said "But I must ask M'lord, my brother...he was in Melidi city during the attack...They won't tell me if he's alive or dead, but seeing how your the Tusscark I was wondering if you could..."
"I understand. I'll see it done M'arquis. His name?"
"Ginris, M'lord."
"Ginris? Thats an R'ha-Jhibian name..."
"Ah, yes M'lord. Our mother was from R'ha-Jhib, she came over here to study Science and Philosophy. Funny story to how she met our father, would you like to hear it M'lord?."
"Yes, please do tell."
"Well, it was at the Grand Hall of Scuois University..."
Just as their conversation was finished the Tusscarks air-car arrived at the Serendipity's air-pad. The Serendipity was a building for international affairs, and the held the offices of every nations ambassador. Including the R'ha-Jhibian Ambassador, who was currently in handcuffs and under guard by three Royal Drumus. The 'Secret Police' of O'rael.
"Ah, Lord T'Kalui. It's a pleasure to see you. How, may I ask, am I to serve you today?" Inquired ambassador F'loki.
"First by telling me what you know about the bombing of Melidi city." The Tusscark said flatly.
"Well, you see..."
The Lord Consuls Chamber, Capitol city, R'ha-Jhib. 5:49pm.
"I can't believe you actually did it! That was brilliant Dregas." the Consul said sarcastically. "Soon the La'Bas-O'rael Alliance will fail and peace will come to all Calmidian-kind!"
"This coming from the who said he could convince the council...Good job on that by the way, you totally had them hanging off of each word you said."
"I would have convinced them if I wanted to. I just wanted to see if you would hold your word." The Consul replied, "You should really work on your sarcasm by the way, you had me going for a second!"
"A serpent giving advice to a Hydra... Unlike you fool, I own up to my word." Dregas said "If everything goes as planned then there will be more bombs blowing up around the continent heh heh heh..."
"Surely You Jest!? There won't be a Caleid left if you're going around blowing shit up!"
"Meh, I could care less. As we speak the agents are most likely probably getting the launch codes from O'rael and La'Bas..."
"You must be mad! Don't tell me you would dare fire weapons of mass destruction on R'ha-Jhib! The very city you are sworn to protect!" the Consuls roared. "I forbid it! You will tell the agents to back down!"
"Oh Fenros, I knew you wouldn't be up to this. I'm not acting on the Directives orders, these are my own plans that I will see completed. I'm sorry friend, but I have to let you go." Dregas said sinisterly before pulling out a silenced pistol from his robes and aiming it at the Lord Consul.
Bang!
Hall of Integritas. Capitol city Detrius, O'rael. 6:32pm.
"...So you mean to say that Talris wanted this to happen?" Said Tusscark Ream D'unis over the Telepresence screen in T'kaluis' study chamber.
"Yes. The ambassador to R'ha-Jhib admitted that the bomb was an planned and intentional act. But me and you know that to be false. Talris, however powerful he is currently, would not use underhanded tactics like that nor would he start a war without any real reason."
"But we can't sit here and do nothing about. You may know Talris, but your citizens don't. They'll be demanding retribution and if don't give it to them they'll probably find someone who will."
"I see...Then I guess i'm at a lost of action. Take too long with talking and the citizens will act. Go to war without talks and then this war we have might be the last."
"Sounds like the first option is better." The La'Bassin Tusscark said. "I'm sorry, but if you'll excuse me I must be going T'kalui. Farewell."
"Farewell..."
'very well could be the last I say it to you...'
A/N: Heeey-ooo i'm back after being gone for eons. I'll be trying to update this regularly, but you know. Life.