Chapter 28: Tense debate, part 1.
When he had finished his speech, Charles was joined by his brother VV, who asked him:
"Was what you said true?"
"Every single word. With an alien invasion in progress, human and material resources cannot be wasted on other nations."
"Even the abolition of the numbers system?"
"Exact. If the Chinese Federation is falling apart, it is because of its policy towards the ethnic groups that live there ... Indians, Uighurs, Mongols and others. Instead of fighting against aliens, they prefer to turn their weapons against their current masters, guilty of oppressive conduct towards them."
"I understand ... You know that the more conservative elements of society won't like it, do you?"
"I am the emperor, I can do what I want! If they dare to say a single word against me I will deprive them of all privileges!"
Very capable of doing it ...
The blond thought.
In Pendragon the government, chaired by the Prime Minister and second Prince Schneizel, was in a meeting.
"The decisions made by our father blow up two centuries of British foreign and domestic policy." Odysseus stated.
"Exactly, brother. And to be honest, I wasn't expecting such a turn. First because relations between the two sides of the Atlantic have been strained since the days of Edinburgh's humiliation, and second because until yesterday he was a staunch supporter of social Darwinism." Said the blond.
"I wonder what he has in mind ..." the interior minister wondered.
"It seems obvious to me. If even the ex-numbers contribute to the fight against aliens we will have more chances of victory. " The defense minister replied.
"I think so too."
"Prince Schneizel, it's not that simple. The inhabitants of the colonial areas, which until yesterday we have trampled, will hardly accept to fight for us. As far as we know, this late move will not work. The most hostile elements in Britannia could still join the invaders. "
"My father is not a fool. If the words are followed by concrete facts they will support us."
Meanwhile Guinevere and Carine were walking through the corridors of the building.
"Unbelievably ... The Holy Empire of Britannia wants to ally itself with the united republic of Europia, the bastard daughter of the 300-year-old revolution! Elizabeth III will be turning in her grave!" The brunette exclaimed, furious.
"Sister, we have no choice. As Benjamin Franklin said: either we are united or we will end up on the gallows one by one!"
"This was before he betray the rebels ..."
She spat on the floor in disgust.
"I hate the men like him... Fuck!"
Carine looked at her in amazement. Usually she never used such rough language.
"In any case, the substance does not change. If we don't cooperate the aliens will take us down nation after nation. We will become their slaves if we are lucky. Food, if we are not. "
Guinevere swallowed. She had no intention of becoming the slave of aliens who would use her as a servant, laboratory guinea pig or even as food.
"Even if the idea just sucks me, I'm afraid I'll still have to ingest the toad, the frog and all the tadpoles."
She snorted disconsolate.
In Paris Smilas was still mulling over the words of the emperor of Britannia.
What should I do? Accept or decline Charles's offer of collaboration? Until yesterday, the British were sworn enemies of us Europeans, and suddenly they offer us an alliance for a common struggle against the invaders. But can I really trust them?
"General Smilas, Leila wants to talk to you." Constance informed him.
The man snorted.
And I was hoping to get a sleep ...
"Ok."
After a few moments Leila appeared on the monitor.
"I guess you saw the emperor's speech." The blonde began.
"Seen and heard."
"Do you intend to accept his offer?"
"Although I doubt I can trust Britannia, I am afraid I will still have to accept. We will have a better chance of winning if we cooperate. Of course, many Europeans will be disgusted with this alliance, but sooner or later they accept. "
"Especially if I'll convince them, right?"
"Exact."
"What are you going to do with others?"
"What others?"
"The Japanese locked up in the ghettos."
"Food and basic necessities will be supplied as soon as possible. They will also be able to move freely throughout Europe."
"Do I have your word?"
"Sorry, who did you get me for? For a politician?"
Communication ended.
Leila sighed.
"Commander?" Akito called her.
The blonde girl turned around.
"Apparently the British will soon become our allies." She stated.
"Don't look enthusiastic."
"I'm not are ... The Britons exiled me and my parents to Europia, and most likely they killed them."
"What should I say, that I will have to fight alongside my hated older brother, responsible for the massacre of our family?" Akito smiled bitterly.
"Are you sure it was he who carried out that massacre?"
"He ordered me to die ... And then who else could have been?"
"I really have no idea."
She looked down, depressed.
"In my opinion the emperor is making a mistake ... We can't trust Europeans!" Lord Farnese affirmed.
"I am also skeptical ... Five years of war cannot be canceled with a sponge." Gaudefroy supported him.
"But this is the will of the emperor, and we will respect it." Said the Grand Duke of Velaines.
"One moment ... What if Smilas refuses?" Shin asked.
"If so, Lord Shaing, he face the aliens himself."
At that moment the phone on the table rang. It was Henry who answered.
" Henry."
"Hello, Grand Duke Henry."
For a moment the man was dumbfounded.
"General Smilas ..."
Those around the table exchanged puzzled looks.
"What he wants?"
"Cooperate with you to drive aliens out of the old continent."
"So do you accept his majesty's proposal?"
"Exactly, but in change I demand the restitution of Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova."
But yes ... Better to lose three territories than to lose everything.
Henry told himself.
"Okay, they will be yours. But you will have to help us regain Belarus and Ukraine. "
"Gladly, if you send support forces to Europia."
"Nothing could be easier."
"So do we have a deal?"
"Yup."
"Perfect ... to the next communication."
Communication ended.
"What's going on, Grand Duke?" Andrea asked him.
"From now Europia is an allied nation." He announced, surprising those present.
"So Smilas accepted the offer?"
"Exactly, Lord Shaing. In exchange for some peripheral provinces and military support."
Lord Farnese shook his head in amazement.
"We allies of the republic of Europia... Who would have said it until yesterday?" He wondered.
