A/N: Wow, got alot of attention from the last chapter, I just hope this one does just as well. Anyway... I am glad that everyone seemed to enjoy the last one and I hope you like this one.
I don't know what to say again, really. But thanks for your support. Now on to the story!
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{ Chapter 52: To Bare the Unbearable...}
"Black Stone", Sadera.
The sun had yet to rise over the continent of Falamrt, as a lone horse and its rider made their way towards their destination. Thee day before, Emperor Molt had announced his decision to surrender to the Other Worlders and end the war. An announcdment that did not sit well with many within the Imperial senate, be was still accepted my most.
Most, but not all.
For many, surrendering to those... Barbarians from beyond the gate was thee ultimate insult to the Saderan Civilization and its people. Just how could the Emperor so willingly admit defeat, when the Empire could easily raise a million man army in a matter of weeks. The Empire could crush the Other Worlders under their seer weight with ease and drive them back across the Gate and back into their world. Molt knew this, everyone in the Senate knew this, yet he wanted to... give up and hand the Empire to thone blasted Other Worlders.. This could not be allowed to happen, the Empire would not be destroyed by a man who was clearly unfit to lead the nation in its darkest hour. Which was why Legate Donno Cal Croppa of the 129th Legion of the Imperial Army was on his way to Black Stone.
The 129th was one of the more seasoned units within the Imperial Army, even though being one of the youngest. Prior to the war, the 129th had been stationed in the Northern Territories as apart of the occupation force that had been left behind after destruction of the Bunny Tribes. They were also one of the few Imperial Units who were under the direct authority of Prince Zorzal himself and as a result, the Crown Prince had personally installed officers who were totally loyal to him and only him. One of which was Legate Croppa, who Zorzal had installed as the overall commander of the 129 and was now on his way to meet with his long time friend.
Just like many within their circle, Coppa was not happy with the Emperor's decision to surrender. If anything, the Emperor's decision was an insult to not only the Empire, but to the men who had already died as a result of the war while defending their nation. Surrending now would be an insult to them, their deaths would be for nothing if Molt surrendered to the Barbarians and he could not be allowed to destroy the Empire like this.
Evetually, Croppa came upon Black Stone Palace. Home to the House of Legisa, one of the minor houses in the Imperial Court, but had ambitions of becoming one the more prominent. They were also one of the first Noble Families to peldge their loyalty to Zorzal when he was selected to succeed Emperor Molt after his death. A possible play for power, to win favor with the future Emperor. Now it looked like the Legisa were fully committed to assisting Zorzal with what ever he had planned.
Upon entering the main chaimber, the Legate was amazed by the amount of persons who had answered the Prince's call. A number of whom, Corppa recognized...
Senator Carlyle El Tanvor of House Tanvor
Count Leoto San Soma, whose family operated some of the largest metal Founderies in the Empire.
Legate Ellis Scharnhorst, supreme commander of the 11th Dragon Corp "Basilisk". One of the Largest dragon units in the Imperial Army...
Nobles, military leaders and even high standing merchants, all were here at the request of Prince Zorzal. Some of whom Croppa knew, were not exactly seen in high reguard within the Imperial Court as a whole. If anything, many of these men were cut from the same cloth as Zorzal.
For the next ten minutes, the assembled group milled about and interacted with one another. Either discussing recent events or just engaged in small talk among themselves to pass the time. Until suddenly, a rather flamboyant trumpet echoed throughout the chaimber and everyone looked, they saw that Prince Zorzal had entered and he was dressed in ornate armor and a robe. He held a gold and silver sword that was decorated with rubies and other precious jems, while a centurian helmit of similar ornate design rested upon his head. It was quite the interesting sight.
"Sons of Sadera!" Zorzal's voice boomed out, "Our glorious Civilization is the greatest the world has ever known! Through the sheer will and might of our fore fathers, our people conquered the continent and tamed it. We brought civilization to the unwashed and defeated all who stood in our is our destiny to control this world and conquer all who stand in our way, but I am ashamed to say that our biggest threat does not come from beyond the Gate... but from my own father! As I speak to you now, he is on his way to sign a... peace treaty with those barbarians... he is going to betray our people and if we don't do something, Sadera will be lost forever!"
"So that is why you had us come here?" Legate Scharnhorst asked the young royal. Zorzal just nodded in confirmation before he replied, "Every single one of us represent the very best of the Empire and as Sons of Sadera, we have a duty to ensure that our civilization survives, even in its darkest hour."
There were some murmers among the assembled nobles and military leaders, as Zorzal's words began to sink in. What the crown prince was suggesting, could/would be seen as treason of the highest order. Then again, their so called Emperor was about to surrender the empire to an power that would more than likely destryoy everything their forefathers had built. If anything, Zorzal was probably the only one who had the ability to snatch victory for the Empire, from the jaws of defeat. All he asked, was for there support and the Sons of Sadera were more than willing to give it.
It was at this point that Corppa stepped forward form the group on newly formed faction and asked...
"So what is the plan...?"
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Jade Palace...
The Jade Palace was a buzz of activity, as Ambassador Todo waited patiently for his guest to arrive.
Despite his initial protests, the air strikes days earlier had their desired affect and as a result, the Diplomat had received a message from Emperor Molt himself requesting to meet so as to discuss terms of surrender. To say Todo and his superiors were both surprised and elated by the news would be correct, but this was only a small victory in a much bigger picture. It may have been one thing getting the Imperial leadership to surrender, but is still unknown if they would accept the terms laid out to them.
Todo had taken a look at the documents and had to admit, the terms were quite severe. More than likely these terms were influenced by the other members of the Coalition, but from what had been learned about the Saderan Empire and how they treated those taken as slaves, even Todo had to admit they were more than justified.
"Are you sure that my father will accept your people's terms for surrender?" Princess Pina asked the Japanese diplomat, both worry and concern dripping from her words as she spoke.
"I will be honest with you, Princess. But your father will have no choice but to accept them." Todo replied with a heavy sigh. "Many years ago, my nation was locked in a war it had no hopes of winning. The nations we were at war with gave us more than enough opportunities to surrender, but our own pride prevented us from accepting their terms,"
"Hiroshima and Nagasaki?" Pina replied somberly, much to the surprise of the Japanese man.
"So you are familiar with our history?"
"I learned as much as I could when I visited your world." Pina explained. "Japan did not want to surrender... and as a result a new, terrible weapon was unleashed upon your people for your hubris."
"I am very certain it would not come to that." Todo reasured her, though Pina was rather shaken up by the idea of nuclear weapons being used on her People.
While this was going on, Emperor Molt sat quietly in his personal carriage, as a team of hroses pulled the Imperial leadership towaresult his destination. His carriage was just one in a convoy of five which were protected by members of the Emperor's personal bodyguards. Each carriage transporting a member of the Imperial Government and Military, all of whom shared Molt's belief that the war was truly lost and the only way to prevent more bloodshed, was to accept the Terms of Surrender placed forward by the Other Worlders.
Eventually, the Jade Palace came into view and an overwhelming sence of defeat finally came over the old Emperor. The Palace he had given his daughter to train her "Knights", was now going to be the location of the Empire's greatest humiliation. Where one would expect to see Imperial banners decorated on the building, the flags of the Coalition now occupied. The Rose Order was there to greet the Imperial procession, but they were now joined by Other Worlder soldiers who were armed with their powerful black staffs. This was the sight that greeted Molt and his companions, as they entered the compound and came to a stop in front of the Palace entrance. From their, Molt and his ground were Formally greeted by both Ambassador Todo and Princess Pina, before being lead into the building to begin the official peace talks...
The Jade Palace Decleration, May 25th, 20XX
"We, by command Emperor Molt Sol Augustus of the Saderan Empire, the Imperial Senate of Sadera and the affiliated Noble Houses, hereby accept the provisions set forth in the declaration issued by the heads of the Governments of the United Nation in New York City, and subsequently adhered to by the Independent Kingdoms of Falmart and the Principality of Italica.
We hereby proclaim the unconditional surrender to the Coalition Poweres of the Saderan Imperial Military and of all Imperial forces wherever situated.
We hereby command all Imperial Units, wherever situated and the Saderan people to cease hostilities forthwith, to preserve and save from damage all military and civil property and to comply with all requirements which may be imposed by the Supreme Commander for the Coalition Powers at his direction.
We hereby command the Imperial Headquarters to issue at once orders to the Commanders of all Saderan forces and all forces under Saderan control wherever situated to surrender unconditionally themselves and all forces under their control."
A sinking feeling overcame Molt and his companions, as they sat at the table and read over the article of surrender. Oposite them, Todo and representatives from each of the Coalition members sat and waited for the Imperial delegation to say something. This was it... unconditional surrender and the the Other Worlders made it very clear that they would not accept anything less. Although the Other Worlders wanted the fighting to end, it was very clear the the Emperor that their want for peace was to protect the Saderan People from more bloodshed. But while the article of surrender was already a hard pill to swallow, the demands bring made were as equally shocking. Apart from unconditional surrender, the Empire was to:
1) Recognize the Soverigenty of both the Independent Kingdoms of Falmart.
2) Recognize the Soverigenty of the Principality of Italica .
3) Grant Independence to all Territories that desire to secede from the Saderan Empire,
4) Emancipate all "forced labours" currently being held by the Empire and proved them with compensation.
5) Provide Compensation to the Families who lost loved ones during the initial Imperial attack on Ginza. (Totaling $100 million U.S.)
6) Provide Compensation to those who were taken by the Empire for slaves by the Empire (Totaling $150 mIllion U.S.)
7) Provide Compensation to the Japanese Government for damages caused by the Imperial Army during the Battle of Ginza (Totaling $10 Billion U.S.)
8) Provide Compensation for cost accumilated by the Coalition Nations during the duration of Tiger Strike.
9) Disband the Imperial Military until such time the Coalition Governments deem the post-war Imperial Government compitent enough to reform such an institution.
It was very clear for the Molt and his colleagues to see that these terms were to punish the Empire harshly for their aggression and to ensure Sadera would never be a threat to anyone again. By the time the Treaties were signed and implemented, Sadrea would no longer be the power it had once been in Falmart and the worst part of it all, Molt had no choice but to agree to these terms.
One by one, Molt and his most trusted advisors/senators, signed on the dotted line. It was finally done, the Saderan Empire had officially surrendered to the Coalition and it was all witnessed by the military camera crews who had been sent to record the event. As well as his daughter and her knights, who were present as well. A humbling experience for the Falmart natives to say the very least.
"It is finally done." Todo announced, as the Japanese soldiers present retrieved the booklets that had been signed. "Hopefully after today, we can start the process of reconciliation between our two worlds and work together for a brighter future."
"I... too hope that can be accomplished." Molt replied somberly. "Though it might be hard for some within my court to accept such a defeat."
"Emperor Molt, I don't think I need to remind you that you will have to stand trial in our courts for your role in the Battle of Ginza." The diplomat informed the old royal. Molt just nodded, a grim expression now visible on his weathered face. Although he tried to hide it, Molt was clearly a broken man now realizing that he was to blame for his own downfall.
"I am aware that I, as well as many others will have to answer for attacking your world, but... as Emperor of the Saderan Empire, there is one last thing I need to do." Molt then turned to his daughter, who had been silent during the entire meeting and said...
"Pina, my child. I have had the pleasure of watching you grow up before my eyes and develop into a proud and intelligent young woman. In the last few months, you have proven to be wise beyond your years and have shown me that you genuinely care about the Saderan People. Therefore, as my final act as Emperor of the Saderan Empire, I here by anoint you as my legitimate heir and Crown Princess of the Saderan Empire."
Pina's eyes went wide in absolute shock and disbelief, as Lady Boze and the other Rose Knights looked at their leader in astonishment. The newly appointed Crown Princess opened and closed her mouth as if she were a fish, as her mind tried to process the fact that she and not Zorzal would become the next ruler of Sadera. "B... but I..."
"No, you can." The old Emperor reassured his daughter. " If the Saderan people are to survive, then changes need to be made or we risk destruction. You are the only one I can trust to make the changes needed to save our people and guide them to a brighter future."
"But what about Zorzal?"
"Only now I see that he is not the ruler our people needs in these uncertain times." Molt explained. "I blame myself for not seeing what he truly was much sooner. His arrogance and pride will only hasten the destruction of our people. Right now, our people doesn't need an Emperor of War, but a leader who can lead them to peace. A leader... I know you are capable of being."
Pina just stood there in absolute shock, as she could not believe that this was actually happening. Her father had declared that she would succeed him as Empress of the Saderan Empire and not her older brother. But most of all, her father had faith in her to do what was right and that she was able to lead their people. Pina never once showed interest in becoming Empress, but she knew that Zorzal would be the worst thing for her people to endure in these uncertain times. She may not have wanted to be Empress, but Pina was willing to do what it took to guide her people to a better tomorrow.
Without missing a beat, Princess Pina got down on one knee and bowed her head in respect, before the said "Your majesty... I accept your request and the responsibility you have have placed upon myself to defend and guide the Saderan People."
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Two Hours Later...
The sun had just begun to lower itself in the sky, as Emperor Molt and his caravan made their way back to the Imperial Palace. By this evening, news about the surrender would reach the Saderan people and by tomorrow morning, messengers would be sent out to inform the outlaying territories and their ruling families that the war was over. The Empire had lost.
The following days would be filled with uncertainty, as the Other Worlders would soon be sent to occupy the Capitol. While the Imperial Army would be forced to lay down their arms and allow themselves to be taken into custody by the very same enemy they were ready to Slave Pens would be emptied and the Empire would not have the responsibility of paying reparations to the Other Worlders. While he himself would now have to face an Other Worlder court and answer for his role in ordering his army to March through the Gate. But at least the other worlders were allowing him to return to his palace so that he could officially send out the order to surrender.
Meanwhile, following the Imperial procession from behind, were a trio oF USMC M1161 "Growler" Fast Attack Vehicles. They were just part of the hand full of vehicles which had been flown into the Capitol via V-22s and were originally intended to be used to secure the Jade Palace. As well as support Black Paint Operations within the large city. But right now, all three vehicles were on their way to secure the Imperial Palace, as was agreed to during the surrender. They would later be Joined by Japanese SFG and Philippine Scout Rangers who had already been scouting the Imperial residence for weeks. But while the Growlers belonged to the United States Marines, their Occupants were in fact, U.S. Navy SEALs. All of whom were well armed, on top of the 50 Cal. Brownings that were already mounted on each of their vehicles.
They were just about half way to their destination in one of the more Forrest areas of Sadera when suddenly, three fire balls shot out from the woods and struck the carriages carrying the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army, the Lord Hoste of the Imperial Treasury and Senator Ganda London Fremin, leader of the Imperial Senate. Three of the most important men in the Imperial Government were now dead, their bodies burning away in what has been their personal transports for that day. But no sooner had they been killed, arrows began to rain down on the Emperor's body guards and their horses. Killing many of them within a matter of seconds. In the confusion, another fire ball slammed into the carriage belonging to Imperial Minister of Diplomatic Affairs, just as the man was about to jump out. The resulting explosion sending his body into a near by tree with a sickening wet crunch.
This all took place within a space of one minute, as the SEALs began to unload their weapons into the tree line in responce. By this point, the surviving body guards had managed to reach the one remaining carriage that held their Emperor. Just as one of the Growlers drover up to provide cover. But when they opened the door, the Imperials were met with the sight of Emperor Molt bleeding profusely from three arrows that were now embedded in his body. Worst still, one of the arrows was in his chest.
With the SEALs now providing cover, the Saderans removed the wounded Emperor from his carriage and placed him in one of the Growlers. The SEAL team leader radioing the Jade Palace about their situation and that they would be returning with Molt. No sooner had the Emperor been secured, the Three Growlers turned around and made a bee line back towards the palace with the surviving Imperial guards following behind. But as the Convoy made their retreat, a large formation of Imperial Dragons flew over head and our of Sadera.
Their destination... the Alnus Province...
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A/N: And so it begins... the begining of the End. The Empire has surrendered and Molt has made Pina his successor over Zorzal
Zorzal has made his move , Some of the most important people in the Imperial Government are either dead or seriously wounded. While it looks as if war will once again reach the Alnus Province. What will happen next? Well... you will just have to wait for the next update to find out.
Please leave a review and until next time... Nightstalker out.
Trivia!: The M1161 "Growler" is a Light Strike Vehicle that was designed to be transported inside of V-22 Ospreys and is currently being used by the United States Marine Corp.
