Chapter 24
Hope
As the Murasames streak pass the peace negation site, the cloaked transports also take off and head toward Telta. All imperial citizens, and surprisingly citizen of the vassal states have a mixed feeling about the terms and conditions imposed by Orb Union. The lucky Imperials thank their ancestor for settling near the border with the vassal states while the unlucky imperial curse the unfairness of how they are going to suffer the burden of paying the reparation. The racist Imperial swears they only accept human from other country and will never accept demi-human as equal. The slave owner swear they will not accept this lying down and will slay all the slaves before the treaty will take effect. Citizen from other states think the Imperial get away so easy. In the end, they have to accept the fact that Orb Union has the power to dictate, not them.
Colonel Kisara receives information on the Drake Riders relay to him by a Reconnaissance Murasame that the Drake Riders are resting in a valley.
"They are sleeping, this mean the riders will escape on foot if we attack now. General Hazama, may I request the exo-amor troops to support me?"
"I don't think they can help you. How about a night at Italica and set out to eliminate them when they are air borne?"
"Sound much better than wait for them in the sky, sir."
Thus the Murasames transform into MS mode and rest a night in Italica where the Count and his daughter and the citizen receive them warmly. The transports continue on to the coordinate given by Arthrun.
Commander Erwin is having a private meeting with Cagalli, to his astonishment, Akatsuki picks him up while Cagalli and Meryn sit on the shoulder.
"Commander Erwin, Arthrun describe you as an honest and fair man who show concern for those under your command. And I am the same, I care for those under my rule too."
"Yes, not just those under yours but others as well."
"Then you will understand my concern when an order to kill Arthrun was issue to Captain Kenny Ackermann."
Commander Erwin is shock, he can't understand why such an order was given. He wants to say there must be a misunderstanding somewhere, but after all he have seen, Cagalli isn't the type to throw fault accusation.
"I have no idea such an order was given, and I can't even imagine why. Whatever the order is, my soldiers and I have nothing to do with it, nor the knowledge about it."
"Yes, it was issue by the king."
"The king? He is not the kind of man to order the death of another person, much less someone whom had done a favor to him and his subject,"
"The king you are referring to is the puppet king, the king I am accusing is the true king. Rod Reiss. Currently pretending to be an advisor."
Commander Erwin's mind is thinking hard on what Cagalli has said. He recalls his interaction with the government and remember that the king rarely speak or make any decision except approval of his advisors suggestion. And the king is a stark contrast to his advisor. Always inactive and quiet, with indifference demeanor while the advisor actively ask question, make presumption…. Things that he feels doesn't add up, but if the current king is just a decoy, then it all make sense. But why?
"I don't know anything about this puppet and puppeteer, but what you have revealed to me is extremely dangerous. How did you know?"
Cagalli play the record of Kenny confession. Commander Erin silently listen, though he doesn't want to believe it, the evidence compel him to.
"Do you want me to investigate about this order?"
"I think it's better you pretend you don't know. It might endanger you and your men. I have some thought about it, but until proven, it's just a theory."
"May I know your theory?"
"Your people had been living in isolation, believing they are the last of humanity. Then a Gate lead to another world appear and other humans are revealed. Then they learn about a second Gate that lead to another world which is far more advance also populated by human. And the best of all, no threat of Titans. Thus people will have the desire to leave the old world to seek a safer and better life in another world, or they may want to acquire help from another world to deal with the Titans. And help in reclaim your world. Either way, your current government doesn't want it for unknown reason. Thus they send those who interact with people from another world here in hope all will perish."
Now it dawn on him why many of the officers are those who had interacted with Arthrun more than others, even many of the Scouts too are here. Again, why?
"I shall have you and your men hold here as POW until it is safe to take you back to your world."
"I understand, we shall cooperate with you. If I can help in anyway, please don't hesitate to ask."
With that, the conversation end. A troubled Comaander Erwin is trying to find a way to break then news to his officers. Nobody like to be stabbed in the back, especially soldiers.
Cagalli and Meryn take Akatsuki back to the fortress for the night as General Hazama order medical assistance to be given to all the survival.
The night is quiet everywhere except the Imperials camp site. The Senator and Military Commanders start bickering among each other. And the factions are clearly shown. The Western Nobles accused the Eastern Noble of acquiring untrustworthy soldiers and useless weapons, the pro-emperor Senators are accusing the pro-peace Senators of cowardice, Military Commanders blame one another for faulty information on Orb Union … But in the end, they all blame the Emperor for misleading them about Orb Union, about employing the hateful mixed bred demi-human, the destruction of the Imperial Army by the Drake Riders, the ultimate humiliation of being saved by the enemy and the unthinkable surrender of the Empire. Some of them blame the Princess and the Prince, but in the end they know they wouldn't had believed anything they said as their arrogance and ignorance prevent them to see reality.
The common soldiers on the other hand, either pray for their dead comrades or for salvation for their family. The officers are tallying their losses and the number just keep changing as some reported dead suddenly show up …. It's a mess. But in the end they have the numbers that will be shown to their superiors. 200.000 death, 1/3 of the Imperial Armies, 146 horse remain, 20 carts, 2 carriages, all the tent and all kind of supplies are burn. They will die of hunger and thirst. The experienced soldiers know what they have to do, scavenging. Dead horses, dead cattle, dead Drakes and riders are litter everywhere.
Rory arrives at the battlefield, inspecting the aftermath. She offer blessing and prayer for the deceased as she strolls.
Then trucks loaded with tents and supplies roll out the fortress heading toward the Imperials camp sites. The Nobles, Senators and Military Commanders and Government Officials are indignant while the common soldiers and lower rank officer gratefully accept their shares. The night passes without further incident.
Commander Andrew is having a meeting with the leaders of the Allied Armies for their march back home. It's been decided the supplies will be provided using trucks to transport until they reach the border of Elbe. The leaders will remain here with a small contingent of bodyguards.
Arthrun and the slave merchant set up camp and separate themselves from the common citizen of Telta, lamenting the losses they have suffer. But all of the agree that they own Arthrun somewhat on his appearance and advise. The guards are vigilant as they don't want their throat cut by loose slaves, thus their commanders keep check on them regularly to make sure security is at maximum.
When dawn come, exo-armor special forces attack the slave merchant and the salves camps. The guards are surprised and taken down swiftly, some manage to grab weapon to resist only to be dissuade to do so by the exo-armored special force. The civilian camp now fully awoken and in chaos as they can't make up their mind and nobody is leading. Thus they run around with either weapon or with children in their tow. Most of them choose to flee while their attackers are busy with the slavers. In the slave merchants' camp, they all surrendered. Then Arthrun brokers an arrangement that secure their safety and freedom, offering to hand over all valuable and slaves. At first they stubbornly tried to haggle, but when forced to choose between freedom and slavery, they choose the former.
The slaves in their cages are confused, though they soon realize the attackers are not here for them but to liberate them instead. For many, especially the newly acquired are happy as they know they will be able to go back to their family, others aren't skeptical and not as thrilled due to their long time enslavement. Some of the slaves persuade their liberators that they voluntarily attach themselves to their current masters due to debt, oath of loyalty, being saved by their masters ….. And special arrangements are made for them and their master. While slavery is not allow, Arthrun suggest a contract with stipulation that the slaves will be free after certain period of servitude or monetary payment for their debt can be paid. 1.000 soldier under commander of Captain Itami will stay at Telta, the slaves can choose to leave for home or go back to Telta and start a new life. The rest of Orb Union force return to base.
Arthrun and the slave merchants watch as the former slaves and Orb Union force depart.
"Well, at least we still have our lives and freedoms."
"But we have lost pretty much everything."
"Don't act like you have lost everything, surely prudent businessmen like yourselves have hidden fund or other investment elsewhere."
"But we lost at least 60% or even as high as 80% of our capital."
"Then use the remaining fund to do other business or live a comfortable life."
"I refuse to stay quiet after such outrageous banditry."
"What are you planning to do? Slavery is now illegal, and any officials in your pocket are rendered impotent as Orb Union is the one in charge."
"Then we shall bid our time and find out which one to pay and we can get back to business."
"I am sure you gentlemen have connection to most of the mine owner and crime lord in the Imperial Capital?"
"We do, what is it to you may I ask?"
"Changing the regime or reign doesn't affect the underworld much, so I think it's time I know them as well, the slaves may have slipped, but I am sure we can work things out with the crime lords and acquire laborer instead. After all, our new business is at the other side of the Gate."
"Then let's us go to the Imperial Capital slum, Akusho."
Cagalli and Meryn gets out of the transport and great the awaiting delages. And with the inclusion of the Vassal States, commander Erwin and Master Cato, all the powerful figure of Falmart are present in one place. But before the meeting begins, Rory arrives and decide to join in without any objection. Cagalli simply inform Rory that her presence is merely as witness without any power to interfere in the negotiation. This action shock the Imperials and the Vassal States leaders, they all fear Rory will enrage and threaten with violence, but she meekly nod in agreement. Their respect for Cagalli has risen even more.
"Before we can formally begin, I shall give you some more information on my side of the current situation. Just so everyone here can have a clear picture of your own position."
Worried looks appears and Rory grins as she feels their fears. But Cagalli assures them this is all within her plan for the Empire which make the Imperials tense up while the Vassals States leaders relax and even snicker.
"When the Imperial Army reached Italica, i had positioned my troops to attack the port city of Proptor, the Imperial Capital and the slave trading city of Telta. But the Drake Riders defection changed the situation a bit so my troops are on standby except for those at Telta. Yesterday, the city of Telta was abandoned as the stave merchants tried to escape with their captives. But my troops had intercepted them and a deal was stroke. The slaves are liberated and the city was occupied. The slave merchants are allowed to go free after paying a large reparation money to their captive. As Telsta was abandoned willingly, I shall declare here and now that Telta was an opened city free for the taking, and many former slaves decide to take the city as their own under the protection of Orb Union and the stewardship of Ren, the newly ascended Apostle to the god Lunaryur. So in the near future, that city might become a shrine city like Bellnahga."
Utterly speechless at the revelation of the destined fate of the Empire, a new Apostle of the god, the liberation of the slaves and the occupation of Telta and its future as a shrine city to a god, all the attendees of the negotiation are looking at Cagalli with bewildered eyes. The Emperor is the first to recover and speak.
"You mean to say that the current outcome is the more fortunate one than the total defeat in your plan?"
"No, if it was to happen as I had planned it, the death tolls will be much less. That's why I didn't order the attack after the defection of your Drake Riders, nor did I order the remnant of the Imperial Army to surrender."
"So it's thank to your mercy that we remain free and miserable like this huh? Thank you very much."
"It was mercy that I let you all remain free, I simply want you to realize your position yourselves and give up willingly. If you had mounted a suicidal attack, I would have to choose between kill you all or just let you see the futility of your attack."
"The outcome of the war is already decided before any battle can begin. That was what my daughter and son told me back at the Imperial Capital. I didn't take their advice and marched to my defeat. This is a complete lost due to the difference in the advancement of technology, I thought our magic can compensate for it."
"Only half of it. The other half is due to your ancient military tactics, mindset and delusion."
The Emperor at this point doesn't want to argue or undermine her victory anymore, as he suddenly realized Cagalli doesn't think of yesterday battle as a victory. And any attempt to do that just make him sink deeper and deeper to the grave he had dug.
"Now, the new agenda are the declaration of independent from the Vassal States, they no longer wish to be under the banner of the Empire anymore, and the 20.000 Praetorian Guards currently being held as prisoners in Italica. My transport fleet will be back here later today so you all will be fly back to the Imperial Capital, after all your forces are back, we can sign the formal treaty."
"May I have some question?"
"Sure, at this point there is no need to keep secret to you any more."
"What is it that Orb Union desire? I mean you can finish this war with an attack on the Imperial Capital and force a surrender in mere hours, the reason you didn't is because you have a long term design, may I ask what is it?"
Cagalli is a little surprise at the question made by the Emperor. The Imperials are bitter and still don't want to admit that fact, but they are curious about it, as do the citizens watching the negotiation.
"Resources. My world is recovering from 2 devastating wars within 4 years. The resources are depleted and the losses suffer prevent us from mining for new ones. Thus we initiate a plan to compensate for the short term needs to restore the daily lives for our people and productions for the economy. But even our mines are either collapsed or depleted so we need a new sources. Then the Gate appear. At first we plan to negotiate a trade deal with whoever on the other side, but you attack us first. And given the disparity of technology, our victory is assured. Though our philosophy and way of life forbid the annexation or conquest, we can dictated our terms when military victory is achieved. Then we learn about the slavery practice of this world and it is unacceptable to extract reparation and trade on the humane ground, so we plan for the liberation of slaves, possession of mines and treaties. Usually concerning trade, cooperation and development so the people here will understand slavery is an outdated and wasteful practice that need to be abolished."
"You mean to say that your military had been weakened yet still able to defeat us with such ease? Then what is the full power will be like?"
"Weakened as we are, we still much more powerful that the all of you combine. Our full power is still there, we simply have no need to employ it. But since you have asked, we can destroy anything we want to. A small farm house, a village, a town, a city, the whole continent or even the whole world can be destroyed if we wanted to."
"WHAT?"
"IMPOSSIBLE!"
"You … you are lying, yes you must be lying! No mortal possess such power!"
This revelation shock all of them, even Rory jump from her seat. And surely the gods are unsettled and worry about this too. As this mean their very existences are in dangers. All eyes are on Cagalli to watch for hint and sight of deception, but they find none.
"I have no need to lie, whether you believe or not doesn't matter. We have no need to deploy such weapons against this world yet."
Her statement makes it clear she doesn't see anyone as a threat except the gods. Now they understand why Rory is allowed to be here, as an Apostle, the gods can see and hear things through her. And this small subterfuge is to ensure her statement is not a provocation or declaration of hostility against the gods, just a warning. The fear on their faces are clearly shown, but they are also relieved as Orb Union didn't use any of her destructive weapons to wipe them all out. Rory believes her but she still want proof.
"Can you show us an example?"
Rory's request sends shockwaves across the whole continent, they do curious about it but don't want to experience the horror of suffering from it power. Cagalli smiles and nod to Meryn. Meryn choose to show them the Nukes.
The hollow screens now show a small metallic cone on a cart, then two men install it to a Missile. Then the Missile is mounted underneath a Spearhead aircraft which then take off. The screen switch to show map of an abandoned mountain fortress with reinforced metal bunkers, harden facility and built in hangars, then the screen change to show the mountain from bird eye view for 30 seconds so the viewer know how big it is. Then the screen switch back to the Spearhead and it launch the Missile. The Missile fly directly at the middle of the mountain ranges and explode. A bright flash and then orange smoke spread out from the bird eye view is indescribable. When the dust settles, the mountain range has been reduce to small rocky hills with some blown metallic pieces on the ground. A waste land that only inhabitable after throughout cleansing of radiation and irradiated landscape for nearly 4 years.
Silence and occasionally murmur among all who watch the result of a Nuclear Weapon Trial. They all have the same question but afraid to ask for fear of the answer. Cagalli chooses to deliver the coup de grace.
"The weapon you have just seen is the smaller version, the test was conducted around 20 years go and at 25% the full power. It is designed to be used at tactical level for destroying large concentration of military target while larger one is used as strategic level to threaten cities and important military target site. Orb Union possess none but capable of producing them or even purchase them."
The blow is too much for them to handle so Cagalli proposes a short break
"I think you all need time to digest these information so I propose a short break and continue after the report of Colonel Kisara on the annihilation of the Drake Riders."
The demonstration of a nuclear warhead is a bit too much to believe for those who watch, they don't want to believe it due to fear and pride. In the end, they reckon that it's better to believe as Orb Union constantly reveal more and more unthinkable and unimaginable things to them. The people are unsettled, disturbed, warry and frightened. But they are not alone as the gods themselves also begin to feel fear for the first time since their ascendance. For all of the new excitement she brought, now Orb Union is a symbol of power that can defy gods' will. They all have plans to stir things up more so Orb Union can show off more of their wonderful things, but now with a veiled threat of destruction, they don't want to get themselves into a fight they can't win. They are starting to get worried, if Orb Union share such knowledge to the native people, then their respect and fear of the Gods will gradually disappear and they might even challenge the gods one day.
"This is not good, not good at all. Their power is too much for us to handle."
"Not to mention we can't influence them, can't directly do anything to them except using our Apostles. And they don't give a shit about them."
"But so far we haven't do anything to them directly or indirectly so I think we can have a conversation with them, their leader Cagalli seems to be reasonable and smart enough."
"What do you have in mind Hardy?"
"She mentioned resources. So I think I can persuade her to see things our way in exchange for whatever she needs to mine."
"At first I was amused but now things are serious, you open the Gate to such a world that gods mean nothing, and they will make us irrelevant in our own world too. So Hardy, don't FUCK UP or I shall make sure you will suffer for the rest of our existence."
"I won't, our Apostles seem to have a cordial relationship with them so I shall send an invitation for their leader to Bellnahgo for a meeting."
Colonel Kisara and his Murasames are waiting for the signal to fire from the Monitoring reconnaissance, he wishes to let the Drake Rider to be away from the forest and mountain to deny them shelter. Soon that signal come and the Murasame Launch all the wing mounted missiles. After 10 seconds, the Murasames speed up to follow the missiles in.
The Drake Riders has finished forming up and head straight toward the Imperial Capital, but as soon as they clear the wood and mountain, the missiles swoop down up on them. They immediately reduce their altitude in an attempt to evade and scatter to lessen the damages. It isn't working as the missiles simply explodes among them, causing dead and wounded drakes to crash on the ground.
The Murasames volley off their remaining missiles and within 53 seconds, the Drake Riders are hit again, though this time each missiles impact guarantee a kill. Only 42 Drake Riders remain, they attempt to seek shelter in the wood and mountain, but the Murasames have transformed into MS mode and intercept them with accurate beam rifle shoot. When the last Drake Riders are dead, they move in to check on their defeated enemy and finish off the one still alive on the ground. The engagement last nearly 7 minutes. Satisfied that all the Drake Riders had been eliminated, the Murasames fly toward Alnus base. The Imperials watching the short and sharp fight breathe in relief, not because the Drake Riders had been eliminated but because the Murasames decide to return to their base. They have been thoroughly educated about the power of Orb Union might.
Giselle is flying from Bellnahgo to carry an invitation for her mistress. She understands the importance of her task and carry it out with eagerness after her failed exploration trip that earned the displeasure of her Mistress.
The city of Telta, once the place they want to get away from has become their home. And at first they are worry about being persecuted, the presence of Orb Union soldiers assure their safety and when the transport of Ren, the Apostle of the god Lunaryur arrives, they have the legitimacy they need to live and thrive as a shrine city under the patronage and protection of a god.
"I am Ren, the Apostle of the god Lunaryur. Many of you probably know that I was a slave here once, until I was purchased and freed and finally ascended. I know many of you think about slavery as a matter of fate. But during my travel with my commander, he taught me about the basic rights of each and every living being. The right to live, the right to make a choice, the right to defend one self and the right to be free of the shackles of slavery. Thus I declare here and now, you are all free citizen of this city. Anyone who accept our custom, way of life and our ideology will be accept as a citizen. Whoever disagree can leave."
The crowd cheer enthusiastically. But Ren has finished.
"The name of this city is tainted, so I hereby change it name into a proper one, befitting my patron god."
'HENCEFORTH, THIS CITY SHALL BE KNOWN AS LUNAFEY. AND I WILL REPRESENT OUR CITY IN THE NEGOTIATION AT THE IMPERIAL CAPITAL."
They yell out in triumphant, some even break down in tear as their fortune finally smile upon them. They were the down trodden, nothing but expendable slaves and all of a sudden, they stand equal to all. Have an Apostle as a ruler, protection from god and support of a powerful nation that can come to their aid swiftly.
Captain Itami organize a supply train and gather things the new city will need to be able to sustain itself. To him, this is what he has always wants to be. A gallant knight saving the weak and vanquish the wicked. Though he isn't fond of paper work, he is determined to do his best to help this city thrive and take a long leave to enjoy it.
To the Imperials, the only good news is they are going back to the Imperial Capital on Orb Union transports. Though many rather they go home instead of being embarrassed by going back, but Cagalli asserted that their presences and signatures are needed on the treaty. Thus they solemnly board the transports. The common soldiers enjoy the flight while the imperial family, Senators, Commanders are deflated. They have boasted, paraded proudly through the street and now they are back in shame.
Cagalli on her part, go with Meryn to Italica to wrap things up. They land in Italica to a warm welcome of the citizen and Count Colt and his daughter Myui. After a few recommend for the defense by the soldiers, they retire to the Mansion. Meryn takes Myui to the garden to show her things that didn't show up on the hollowscreen while Cagalli and the Count proceed to the conference room. They come across the butler on the way
"I'm thirsty, may I trouble you for a cup of tea?"
Though surprise by the request, he comply and go to fetch her the tea in the kitchen. By the time he is back, they are already seated. He set the tea in front of Cagalli and turn to leave.
"You don't need to leave, please stay. I have questions for both of you."
Her tone isn't as polite as before, the Count and his butler look at each other for answer but found none, they turn to her with a worried look.
"Perhaps I have somehow displeased you?"
A smile appear on her lips and she simply shake her head a little. Puzzled, they look to her for answer.
"I think it's time to come clean, gentlemen."
Incredulous at her statement, they are very confused now. Cagalli look at the Count
"I know you are not the Count Colt Formal, and I know both of you are not human. You are the same as the prisoners we took. Dar. I know you have no intention of harming me nor the young Myui. So I am giving you a chance to come clean. And don't think I will hesitate to kill."
They look at one another and take a deep breath. Then the Count speak while his butler look on.
"I don't know how you know about us. But we are glad you know we don't plan to do anything against the Formal clan nor the people of Italica. I am Roka, this is my brother Teg. We are the Dar belong to the Haryo tribe. Our natural ability to shapeshift make people fear us, hate us and they persecute us. Thus our ancestors were driven out to the Western Desert. The Haryo tribe took them in. For generations we are trained to imitate our target at the expressed order of the reigning Emperor. This arrangement help the Empire stable until now."
"Clever scheme indeed. Go on."
"7 years ago, the Emperor came to Italica and the Count hosted a hunting trip in his honor, they both pursued a stag and separated from the hunting party. I ambushed the Count, killed him and disguised as him until now."
"Then why didn't you betray Italica?"
"I thought the Count was a typical Imperial Noble that treat demi-human like trash. But his diary and his actions shew me that he is sympathetic to demi-human plight. Thus, I swore to keep his legacy and maintain his city in his steed. Teg was sent to replace me since I wasn't compliant to the Emperor requests. I managed to convince Teg to my side and we had been fend off several attempt to replace me by others."
"That's why you didn't attempt to assassinated me as I didn't threaten Italica."
"Precisely."
"How many people have been replaced so far?"
"I can answer that question if you would hear me."
"Sure, go ahead mister Teg."
"Since our defections, the Emperor didn't order anyone to be replaced because most of the senators and important figures are supportive of him. But he intend to replace some notable ones to ensure his successor will have an easy time on the throne. That's why Bouro and his group are summoned."
"Now I have an important question for you. But take a look at this first."
Cagalli shows them the pictures taken by one of the Reconnaissance Murasame. They look at each picture with increasing panic to the point of shaking.
"These are our camps, how did you know? When did you take these picture?"
Cagalli simply sip her tea before answer. She can clearly see their panic expression, sweat dripping onto the floor and their shaking hands.
"Those question are irrelevant. I haven't done anything to them and whether I shall do anything to them or for them depend on your answer."
They swallow hard and await her question.
"If I let you and the prisons go back to your tribe, will they agree to stay in the western desert and not using their ability to disrupt things in here?"
"You are offering to let us go?"
"Yes. I am not indiscriminate your race, I do believe you are the victim and are doing whatever it take to survive. So I am offering your tribe a chance to be on equal ground with the inhabitant here. And if you think the desert is a curse, then rejoice as I shall help your tribe to trade for whatever you need."
"But they still hate us."
"Well, don't abuse your shapeshifting ability and the hatred will be gone."
"I agree, but …"
"If you are worry about Myui, you don't have to be. I want you to relinquish your title and make her the ruler of Italica. The late Count Colt will want that, and she will be assisted with administration by official from Orb Union and her two sisters and their families. Their domains are added to the new Italica province."
"Very well, I shall go and convince my people, I think they will accept."
"I shall be waiting for your good news."
As Cagalli walks out, Roka and Teg contemplate their future and the future of their tribe. Finally, they have a chance to be accepted as an equal to all races in Falmart. They look at each other and nod, then walk to the dungeon with determination to convince their fellow Dar to accept the offer from Cagalli.
All the inhabitant of Falmart await the negotiation that will determine their future.
